The NexTech 100 Scholarship Helped These 4 Students Change Their Futures Forever

Since our founding in 2012, Flatiron School’s mission has been to enable the pursuit of a better life through education — and we’ve done that in a lot of ways. From a rigorous curriculum that teaches in-demand skills to a supportive and inclusive community, we’ve  helped over 5,000+ students change careers with confidence.

We’ve also partnered Cognizant U.S. Foundation to empower the next wave of tech innovators and leaders and together, launched the NexTech 100 Scholarship to provide 100 underrepresented aspiring trailblazers with the opportunity to unlock their potential. 

Here are just a few of our scholarship recipients and #flatirongrads who are shaping the future of tech:

Deijah Price

What has receiving the NexTech 100 Scholarship meant to you?

Receiving the NexTech 100 scholarship has changed the trajectory of my life. I prayed for a way to afford setting myself up for a career after my money for college had run out and I was at a loss for affording higher education. I knew I had the tenacity and intellect but lacked a way in financially. Flatiron has afforded me a way to make an impact through code. After the bootcamp, I am confident and have a passion to code for social good. I want to create opportunities one day that reflect what Flatiron school did for those in my situation. 

Tell us about the moment you found out you received the NexTech 100 Scholarship.

When I had found out about receiving the scholarship, I honestly fell on my face in prayer thanking God for Flatiron and the opportunity. I knew I couldn’t let something like that go to waste and I had to make the most of it. 

What would you tell other applicants thinking about applying?  

I would tell other applicants to go for it and don’t be afraid to receive financial help. Not everyone can truly afford it so this is a wonderful gift from Flatiron x Cognizant U.S. Foundation. Dedicate your time to the pre-work and show up ready to crush it on the technical interviews! 

Ruth O. Obe 

What has receiving the NexTech 100 Scholarship meant to you?

Receiving the NexTech 100 Scholarship helped my dreams of attending and graduating from Flatiron School come through. It has opened a lot of doors of greater and endless possibilities as I get started on this career path in tech.

Tell us about the moment you found out you received the NexTech 100 Scholarship.

When I found out I received this scholarship, I screamed so loud because I couldn't contain my joy. I shared the news with my family and friends and everyone was proud of me. 

What would you tell other applicants thinking about applying?

If there is something you can get and is available for you, do not hesitate to go for it!

Bryant Omoregie

What has receiving the NexTech 100 Scholarship meant to you?

The NexTech 100 Scholarship opened up a tremendous opportunity for me to attend what I believe is the best coding bootcamp in the world. On a personal level, the scholarship showed me that a group of people believed in me and were willing to invest in me. I considered that through my whole bootcamp journey, and continue to use it as motivation today. Financially, I now have an opportunity to start a career with far greater earning potential, without incurring any more school debt to do so. That possibility was made possible by Flatiron School and the Cognizant U.S. Foundation.

Tell us about the moment you found out you received the NexTech 100 Scholarship.

I first heard about the scholarship from the Course Report podcast in January. At the time, I don’t believe the scholarship was even on the Flatiron school website yet. I spoke to the account executive that I had been working with from day 1, and she encouraged me to apply as soon as I could. I agonized over that scholarship application. Writing and re-writing my essay answers over and over again, trying to make each sentence as perfect as I could make it. Within a week of applying I got a call back from Rhea announcing that I had received the scholarship. I was elated, but in a weird way not surprised. It just seemed then, and seems now that everything was just aligning in my favor. I was filled with extreme gratitude and joy over the kindness of Flatiron School and the Cognizant U.S. Foundation. 

What would you tell other applicants thinking about applying?

My advice to other people considering applying is 1) just do it. You have nothing to lose. 2) When you apply, don’t rush the process. Put thought into every word you type. Make it as meaningful, and honest as you can. Lastly, 3) Follow up with the account executive you’re working with. They may be able to put in a good word for you if you have built rapport with that person. Best of luck. 

Melike Kilic

What has receiving the NexTech 100 Scholarship meant to you?

After taking a tour on the Austin campus and learning about the curriculum, studying at Flatiron School has become my dream. However, it seemed near to impossible for my parents, 3 siblings and I since we were living on a budget. This scholarship awarded me the opportunity to make my dream come true and to take the foremost step to achieve my goals.

Tell us about the moment you found out you received the NexTech 100 Scholarship.

The closer the first day of the program got, the more concerned I was. I knew it would be extremely difficult for me to take the course unless I received the scholarship.

On February 25th, my brother’s birthday, I received a call from the account executive. She told me they found me eligible for the scholarship. It was such a relief for me! I was on top of the world! I called my parents right away and gave them the good news. 

What would you tell other applicants thinking about applying?  

Do not waste any time thinking about whether they will accept your application. Flatiron will always be there for you once they realize that you have an enthusiasm for coding.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is current as of July 29, 2020. Current policies, offerings, procedures, and programs may differ.