2023 RTX Scholars

FY23_ELC_2023_Sponsor_Scholars_1200x50021

Sponsored by RTX, this scholarship is awarded to high-achieving undergraduate Black students who are enrolled in one of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) pursuing a degree in business, engineering, technology or related majors.

This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving undergraduate and graduate Black students enrolled in an accredited four-year college pursuing a degree in history, political science, communications, media, journalism or related majors.

Jayden Christmas

College/University: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Award: 2023 RTX Scholarship

Jayden Christmas attends North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. She is a member of the Honors College and was selected by the College of Engineering to be a H.O.M.E. (Helping to Orient Minorities to Engineering) Scholar. Jayden is also a FOSSI (Future of STEM Scholars Initiative) Scholar. On campus, she is an active member of the Society of Women Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Jayden volunteers weekly as a mentor to girls at a North Carolina middle school by providing support to girls to excel in STEM. Jayden has done similar volunteer work mentoring girls throughout high school in New Jersey. She is very passionate about helping girls strengthen their math and leadership skills to be prepared for a career in STEM. In her spare time, Jayden enjoys building complex Legos and singing songs from the musical Hamilton.

View LinkedIn Profile

Belicia Dykes

College/University: Howard University
Major: Supply Chain Management
Award: 2023 RTX Scholarship

Belicia Dykes is pursuing an Honors degree in Supply Chain Management at Howard University. She recently completed her first internship as an HR Employee Engagement and Recruiting intern at isolved in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she gained valuable experience in talent acquisition and employee engagement strategies. Belicia holds the position of Faculty Relations Chair for the Iota Rho Chapter of the International Fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi, where she plays a vital role in fostering strong relationships between faculty and students. She is also a member of the School of Business Student Council, contributing to the overall improvement of the student experience within the school.

View LinkedIn Profile

Philip Lane

College/University: Tuskegee University
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Award: 2023 RTX Scholarship

Philip B. Lane is an Aerospace Engineering and Physics Major with a Minor in Business Management. Philip is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and a member of the Society of Black Physicists. Philip is a motivated, self-directed engineering physics project assistant with exceptional critical thinking and communication skills. Philip presently is working on a Virtual Reality Project with his physics advisor at Tuskegee University. Philip enjoys playing soccer and running. In his spare time, Philip enjoys anime and spending time with family, pets and friends.

View LinkedIn Profile

Madison Skinner

College/University: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Major: Computer Science
Award: 2023 RTX Scholarship

Madison Skinner is a computer science student at North Carolina A&T State University. Madison is interested in Product and Project Management. Madison is a member of her institution's chapter of the Association of Computer Machinery. Madison is on the Dean s List and is an incoming Computer Science Intern at Freddie Mac. Born and raised in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Madison enjoys cooking, golfing, photography, and being around her family and friends.

View LinkedIn Profile

Joshua Strickland

College/University: Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Award: 2023 RTX Scholarship

Joshua Strickland is an ambitious and knowledgeable student currently pursuing a major in Mechanical Engineering at Alabama A&M University. On campus, Joshua is actively involved in the Special Projects Laboratory, where he collaborates with like-minded individuals to develop skills in the field of engineering. Through this experience, he has gained valuable knowledge in the design process, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and practical workshop skills such as using a lathe. is career goal is to secure a technical position at a manufacturing company, where he can apply his skills as a project manager, lead designer, or technician. In this role, he aims to be involved in the building of new designs, overseeing the construction process to ensure smooth operations and successful outcomes.

View LinkedIn Profile

Ezra Woodfork

College/University: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Major: Civil Engineering
Award: 2023 RTX Scholarship

Ezra Woodfork is pursuing a major in Architectural Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University. Despite spending his entire life outside of the USA, living in US military communities, Ezra quickly acclimated to life in the United States and embraced his studies at NC A&T. In his first semester on campus, Ezra's academic performance earned him a place on the Dean's List, highlighting his commitment to excellence in his studies. His outstanding achievements led to an invitation to join the Honor Society Foundation, recognizing his academic success and dedication. Ezra is an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), a prestigious organization that promotes excellence and professional development among black engineering students. Outside of his academic pursuits, Ezra enjoys engaging in physical fitness activities, particularly weightlifting. He also has a passion for travel and values spending quality time with his family and friends.

View LinkedIn Profile