Charles G. Berwind Foundation Scholarship Program Winners Announced

In these uncertain times, it’s great to be able to share some good news. I am happy to announce that two children of Sierra’s team members are the recipients of this year’s Charles G. Berwind Foundation Scholarship Program award. The scholarship garners a competitive field of applicants with only 15 students awarded financial scholarships of undisclosed amounts. We are proud to say four of the winners are from the TASI Group (Sierra’s parent company) of which two were from Sierra. This award was made possible to Sierra’s team members through our parent company Berwind Corporation. Like Sierra, Berwind Corporation roots itself in family and community and the scholarship was created in that spirit. Congratulations Nyra Usi and Kateleen Alcantara!

The Winners

Nyra Usi

Nyra Usi graduated with honors from North Salinas High School where she was a member of the California Scholarship Federation and an honorary member of the National Honor Society. She is currently attending California State University Monterey Bay and is part of their CS++ cohort program. Nyra is majoring in Computer Science with aspirations to achieve a bachelor’s degree. While attending school, Nyra is also working at CSUMB Makerspace where she specializes in making workshops where she teaches students how to use laser cutters as well as other tools.

Sierra Engineering Freynold Usi and daughter.

“Winning this award means having an opportunity to further pursue my education without fear of burdening my parents or creating a debt-full future. It also, more importantly, brings me one step closer to my goal of creating something that actually helps people and for that, I am eternally grateful,” says Nyra Usi Scholarship recipient.

Kateleen Alcantara

Kateleen graduated with honors from Marina High School in Marina, California as part of the class of 2019. Outside of academics, she invested much of her time into a student-led community service organization, volunteering at local events and holding various leadership positions to improve her skills in professionalism and design. She is currently a student at the University of California, Irvine majoring in aerospace engineering. In addition to being a member of the Filipino culture club (Kababayan at UCI), Kateleen is also a member of the student government (Associated Students of UCI) working alongside a team to design marketing materials for student events. Kateleen hopes to be an inspiration for others, representing women of color in engineering.

Elizabeth Alcantara, Sierra Accountant with her daughter.

“Being awarded this scholarship means that, in addition to being provided with the support needed to pursue my dreams, I am learning the importance of hard work and resilience as I endure any challenges that come my way,” states Kateleen Alcantara scholarship recipient.

About the Charles G. Berwind Foundation Scholarship Program

“An Investment in Education Pays the Best Interest.” Benjamin Franklin

The Charles G. Berwind Foundation Scholarship Program was founded in 1974 by the Berwind Corporation and members of the Berwind in honor of Charles G. Berwind, Sr., whose interest in promoting the welfare of young men and women was a lifelong avocation.

The purpose of the Foundation is to encourage and assist high school and college students who are children of employees of Berwind and its affiliates located within and outside the U.S. to attend accredited institutions of higher learning in the U.S. All eligible students of Berwind employees planning to attend such institutions in the U.S. were encouraged to apply.

Scholarships will be awarded for each academic year at the institution of the candidate’s choice. Scholarship award amounts may vary year-to-year and may not exceed $10,000 for any academic year. Scholarships will generally be renewed in the same amount each year to cover a period of four years (or the normal duration of the selected course of study but not exceeding four years). Renewal of Scholarships will depend on the recipient’s continued full-time enrollment in good standing at his or her institution. Awards may also be adjusted to reflect changes in educational costs and financial need.

Read full details on the Charles G. Berwind Foundation Scholarship Program. Again, a huge Sierra Congratulations!