Jaime Rodriguez, class of 2010 at Fairfield College Preparatory School, has been chosen as a Gates Millennium Scholar (GMS). The Gates Millennium Scholars Program is the nations largest minority scholarship program and is funded by a $1.6 billion grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Jaime is among 1000 recipients nationwide. "This is a very big deal," says Colleen Adams, the school's director of communications who got the news last week. Jaime says the scholarship is the result of the education and support he has received at Fairfield Prep. He participates in the schools SEED (Students for Educational Excellence through Diversity) program. Jaime plans to attend Fordham University and pursue a pre-med major, with the ultimate goal of becoming a medical doctor.
GMS scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students of color across the country who demonstrate academic excellence and strong leadership skills. Scholarships assist students in meeting the cost of attending a college or university they choose. The program also provides leadership development opportunities to ensure that scholars graduate prepared to become strong leaders in their professions and in their communities.
Jaime has been an active member of the Fairfield Prep community. He is a member of Preps ASPIRA (Hispanic Club) and African-American Cultural Club. He is one of the founders of Preps Diversity Club and has been a member of the Southern Connecticut Conferences Diversity Dream Team. He has been a volunteer at Preps SEED Academic Enrichment summer camp, at the Upward Bound program at Fairfield University, and is one of the editors of Preps yearbook, Hearthstone. Jaime lives with his mother in Bridgeport.
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