Scholarships

Pablo M. Ortiz Scholarship Fund

This scholarship seeks to honor Pablo M. Ortiz’s legacy by supporting underrepresented students who are interested in software engineering or computer science. Any BIPOC undergraduate student who is pursuing a two or four-year degree in software engineering, IT, or computer science may apply for this scholarship. However, students who have volunteering or internship experience are preferred. The deadline is June 20th. Applicants must  submit a front-end or back-end developer portfolio.

Apply here.

I Can and I Will Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support students who have overcome challenges in order to pursue higher education. Any BIPOC high school senior or undergraduate student who is first-generation, has at least a 3.5 GPA, is involved in community or extracurricular activities, and is directly or indirectly impacted by a mental or physical disability (themselves or a family member) may apply for this scholarship, but students from single-parent households are preferred. The deadline is August 1st. An essay is required.

Apply here.

Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship

The Charles Cheesman Student Debt Reduction Scholarship offers $4,000-$7,500 and seeks to reduce student loan costs for African American or Hispanic/Latino first generation students who are currently in college or have graduated with student loans. Workers who are no longer students but are still working to pay off student loans are eligible. An essay is required to apply and the deadline is May 30th. 

Apply here.

Up Together Fund

Did you participate in BUILD for at least one year? If so, you are qualified to receive $300 in funds through the UpTogether Grant.

To request the grant, email Cindy Pineda at cpineda@build.org with your name and region. 

Suzanne McKechnie Klahr (SMK) Scholarship

The Suzanne McKechnie Klahr, Esq. Scholarship was created to honor Suzanne, BUILD’s Founder and CEO for almost two decades. The award grants between $1,000 and $3,000 each year for up to three high school seniors who embody the traits Suzanne brought to her work with BUILD.

Details:
  • Award Amount: between $1000 and $3000 each year

  • Number of Scholarships Awarded: up to 3

Eligibility Criteria:
  • Students must have been in BUILD for all four years of our four-year program

  • Students may be two-or-four-year college-bound (HS Senior planning to attend an accredited two-or-four-year institution)

Process:
  • Application coming in January 2023.

  • Up to three finalists will be selected and invited to interview with a selection committee, which includes Ms. Suzanne McKechnie Klahr.

  • The scholarship winner will be announced by April 1st, 2023.

Congratulations to our Class of 2021 SMK Scholars!

BUILD Emergency Relief Fund

Any BUILD student who meets the criteria can apply for emergency relief funds, up to $2,000/year while enrolled in college, for unforeseen expenses e.g. closing gaps in financial aid, books for school, emergency travel, and other real-life needs.

Details:
  • Award Amount: up to $2000

Eligibility Criteria:
  • Students must have been in BUILD for 2-3 years of our four-year program

  • Students must be matriculated at an accredited two-or-four-year institution

Process:
  • Application coming in January 2023.

  • Within 2-4 days, BUILD staff will contact you with next steps in the application process

Region-Specific Scholarships
- coming soon! -

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VIDEO PREPARATION GUIDELINES

HOW TO RECORD

1. iPhone, iPad, Zoom and Loom are all choices of recording tools for their video presentation 
2. Record with both students and their presentation in view
3. Record horizontally for the best view of the students and their presentation
4. Follow Presentation Diagram to the Right

PRESENTATION TIPS.

- Make eye contact with the camera
- Notecards may be used as cue cards
•Pro Tip: Notecards should avoid having a full script
- Even when you are not speaking, don’t forget the camera is still recording!
•Be aware of your body language while you and your business partners are speaking
- Everyone has an opportunity to speak
- Professional dress is encouraged
- Practice makes perfect
•Practice how you will transition from each speaker
•Project your voice when you speak​

Follow positioning format Above

Download a Sample of Our Curriculum

Fill out this form to receive a free sample of our curriculum and to receive occasional email updates on how to bring BUILD to your community.