Marissa Ayers, a senior at Couch High School in Myrtle who will be attending Missouri State University-West Plains this fall, was one of 30 students selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship as part of the Missouri STEM Signing Day.
The statewide signing event, hosted by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD), took place April 26 at the St. Louis Science Center. It recognized outstanding students from across the state who exhibit a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and are dedicated to furthering their education in STEM-related disciplines, officials said.
“We are thrilled to welcome Marissa to Missouri State University-West Plains and commend her on receiving this well-deserved scholarship,” said Dr. Michael Orf, vice chancellor of academic affairs at MSU-WP. “STEM Signing Day serves as a testament to the commitment of students like Marissa who pursue excellence in STEM fields and highlights the vital role of education in shaping the future workforce.”
The Missouri Chamber Foundation’s Missouri Mathematics and Science Coalition launched Missouri STEM Signing Day in 2019 to honor high school seniors in Missouri who commit to pursing STEM fields at either a four-year or two-year college or a technical school.
The initiative aims to not only celebrate the dedication of students to STEM education but also to promote awareness of STEM career pathways in the state. Additionally, it aims to raise awareness among students about the diverse career opportunities available in Missouri’s thriving STEM industries, officials said.
Representatives from MDHEWD, the Missouri Chamber, the Boeing Company, Orscheln Industries and other corporate sponsors selected scholarship winners based on the student’s passion for a STEM career pathway. With only 30 students selected for the scholarship, Orf said it makes Ayers’ achievement particularly noteworthy.
For more information about Missouri STEM Signing Day and to watch each scholarship recipient’s video submission, visit MoChamber.com.
