Dominican student of Grambling State University, Darnel Williams, from La Plaine, has been awarded a one-year college scholarship and a summer internship at Apple’s headquarters in California as part of a new initiative by Apple to invest in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Williams is one of 30 students who are members of the first cohort of the Apple HBCU Scholars Program.
Denise Young-Smith, vice president for worldwide human resources at Apple and a graduate of Grambling State University, announced the winners at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C. on Nov. 14-15.
“I don’t know how to relate how I feel,” Williams said. “I am very excited because it is Apple. This is a company where they have a lot of great minds, and I hope to bring my knowledge to what they are doing and to learn a lot from the people who already work there.”
Scheduled to graduate in May 2017, Williams is a junior pursuing a double major in electronic engineering technology and mathematics and physics. He is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
The scholarship includes up to $25,000 for the students’ senior year of college; a summer internship in Cupertino, California; participation in a year-round program to prepare for post-graduation careers; pairing with an Apple mentor during their senior year; the opportunity to serve as ambassadors on their campuses to build awareness about the Apple and TMCF Diversity Initiative; an invitation to attend TMCF’s Annual Leadership Institute; and participation in the Apple HBCU Immersion Experience in Cupertino.
“This program is about exposing gifted students from HBCUs to a career in technology. We’re big believers that innovation will be strongest when talented people from diverse backgrounds are part of the creative process,” said Young-Smith. “That’s why we’re so proud to be partnering with TMCF to help us find the next generation of innovators.”
The Apple HBCU Scholars Program is the first of several programs under the new Apple and TMCF Diversity Initiative. In March, Apple and TMCF announced a partnership to identify, develop and harness talent from the nation’s community of HBCUs. The over $40 million multi-year commitment from Apple is the largest and most comprehensive corporate investment ever given exclusively for students and faculty of four-year HBCUs.
Congrats Darnell, job well done. I have always heard that you are a brilliant young man. Continue the hard work and make yourself, parents, Laplaine, Boetica and Dominica proud. You are a bless young man, keep God in the fore front of your life. It does my heart good to see your hard work turn into such an great opportunity. Congrats to Starry and teacher Magnus. Cousin Agata and Mr Arthur must be smiling down from above.
Much love
Congratulations Darnel!!!! to God be the glory. Continue the splendid work
Congratulations to you Mr. Williams. You have made yourself proud and also your parents. May the Blessings of God continue to be with you.
Oh Super! Super! Super! Well done young man ?
Hello and good evening my people. I want to congratulate this young man. I also hope he consider the field of Civil Engineering because we need to build proper Roads and Bridges.
I am so proud of my fellow villager. Congrats to you my son and God blessings on you. I only wish that more of our young people would try to emulate you by starting to do better at High School and College.
Cous congrats! We are so proud of you! Awesome job! God bless as you keep on this journey.
congrats southeast massive.
That’s the kind of information that blesses my heart, that’s the kind of thing that makes me know that Dominicans are strong minded intelligent people. a people who are resilient and can do well, not the kind i see who are so political on all sides so bitter so angry.Congratulations young man you will do well, you have already started God bless you. That’s a Dominica to be proud of now according to first lady Michelle Obama im proud to be a Dominican thank you for making us proud
great job young man. keep up the great work. stay positive
Congratulations Darnel !! Go ahead and make your parents proud!
Congratulation. Keep up the good work.
To God be the glory for this young man. I am so proud of you. May God bless, guide and protect you. Let the world know about your achievement. You deserve it because you are a hard worker.Dont listen or follow anything negative lk for the positive. God bless your parents for a great job they did with you.
tremendous achievement keep up the good work!
Congrats young man. Great opportunity!!
You go brethren! Rally in your moment n embrace the opportunities to elevate yourself…congratulations!
Congratulations young man keep it up.Keep up trucking.The sky is the limit.
Congrats Darnel! Incredibly proud of you and your accomplishments! May God guide and protect you on this AMAZING journey!!!
Dominicans Excelling BOiii!! what a great Next generation
Push the boundaries young man.
Great job.
hmph. More brain drain…
I’m not expecting to see this young man back on Dominica’s soil. Apple done grab him already.
Congrats D..very proud of u and Ur achievements..Continue to soar!!!
Way to go, CONGRATULATIONS!! and all the best in your future
U all dans would comment if it had something to do with skerrit
its a shame how no one congratulates the young man, how no one is appreciative of his success. is it that we didnt read the article or its not worth commenting on?
Congratulations Mr. Williams, you have surely made not only yourself proud but your parents and entire family. Keep up the good work and i wish you all the best as you continue yet another important journey of your life
Isn’t there 3 congratulatory remarks before yours?????? Who are they from ! Animals? People like u just like confrontation.
it has ntn to do with politics so they won’t comment. typical dominicans. we dont celebrate our people’s achivements
Congratulations Darnell. Well done!
Congratulations to this young man and his family! Awesome achievement.
Congratulations my brother!!
waw this is a great opportunity make the best out of it!
Big up. Island students still running tings at GSU.