Aerospace recently selected five awardees from a highly competitive pool of applicants representing communities near its sites across the country. These scholarships provide students with funding toward college and much more, such as opportunities to connect with STEM professionals, exclusive mentorship, and hands-on STEM experiences to jump-start their academic and professional journeys. 

“We are excited to recognize Majella Rajan and the Future STEM Leaders recipients, who reflect the promise and potential of our future STEM workforce,” said Tanya Pemberton, Aerospace’s president and CEO. “Not only is this an investment in these bright students through a financial contribution, but more importantly, with mentorship and connections that will help shape their careers and contributions to STEM." 

Dr. Wanda M. Austin STEM Scholarship Recipient

Majella Rajan is the first student from Gahr High School in Cerritos, Calif. to receive Aerospace’s 2026 Dr. Wanda M. Austin STEM Scholarship. Established in 2015, this award honors Aerospace’s former president and CEO for her unwavering commitment to advancing STEM education and recognizes Majella’s achievements and potential in STEM fields.

Majella exemplifies a dedication to empowering the next generation of STEM professionals, a passion she has cultivated by her involvement in outreach programs including Girls Who Code and her elementary school’s drone program. This commitment to giving back is demonstrated through two resources she created: Way2Eazy, a nonprofit that teaches elementary students how to code, and Collab4Change, a web platform designed to connect students with scholarships and other opportunities. In addition to these invaluable tools, Majella is also the author of HTML Copy CSS Paste: The Only Guide You Need, a beginner-friendly handbook created for younger students interested in learning HTML and CSS coding. 

Beyond her work inspiring young learners and balancing a 4.0 GPA, she has contributed many hours to organizations and clubs such as Model United Nations, the California Scholarship Federation Club, Student Site Council, and the Transportation Career Academy Program. In the fall, Majella plans to attend her dream school, University of California, Berkeley, with a dual major in electrical engineering and computer science.

Future STEM Leaders Scholarship Recipients

The Future STEM Leaders Scholarship selected four students, each of whom will receive a $5,000 one-time stipend for their academic excellence, proven leadership skills, and experience in giving back to their community. 

Sahba Ghasempour is a graduating senior from Early College Academy in Albuquerque, N.M. Sahba has a strong academic record and is a member of the Land of Enchantment Young Ambassadors Program, Explora/AFRL STEM Scholars Program, and Key Club. In the fall, she will continue her studies at the University of Virginia, majoring in computational biology.

Walker Williams is a graduating senior from Huntsville High School in Huntsville, Ala. Walker has a proven academic excellence and volunteer record with the Burritt Museum, Free 2 Teach, Art and Music Camp, and the Elite Cybersecurity Patriot Team. This fall, Walker will study computer engineering at Auburn University, working toward his goal of developing new computers and components that are efficient and affordable for all.

Trae Vanderlaan is a graduating senior from Ogden High School in Ogden, Utah. Trae’s dedication to learning is evident in his coursework, which includes dual enrollment at his local technical college. His commitment to community engagement is highlighted in work with the Junior National Young Leadership Program and local building programs. In the fall, Trae will attend Weber State University to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

Carl Stultz is a graduating senior from Yorktown High School in Arlington, Va. Carl’s technical abilities are demonstrated through his participation in VEX robotics, where his team ranked fifth at the state championship. This fall, Carl will pursue a degree in cybersecurity from George Mason University.

About the Dr. Wanda M. Austin STEM Scholarship

The Dr. Wanda M. Austin STEM Scholarship is an invitation-only scholarship in the greater Los Angeles area, where recipients receive a paid internship from Aerospace and a combined scholarship of up to $10,000 per year, renewable for up to four years. Scholarship recipients are required to pursue undergraduate studies in a STEM field at a public or private four-year college or university and maintain a 3.0 or above grade point average. Visit the Aerospace STEM Endowment Fund to help provide support and resources to students pursuing academics in STEM.

About the Future STEM Leaders Scholarship

The Future STEM Leaders Scholarship was established in 2020, expanding the success of the Dr. Wanda M. Austin STEM Scholarship to other Aerospace locations nationwide. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide a professional mentorship opportunity for high school students during their senior year, and to provide financial assistance to promising students studying STEM disciplines at a public or private four-year college or university. Selection is based on academic performance, community service and leadership potential.