Beyond Boundaries Scholars program opens doors for students
The Beyond Boundaries Scholars program breaks down financial barriers to make a Virginia Tech education more affordable to students. Four students talk about how it is making a difference for them and their families.
Students attending the 2024 Beyond Boundaries Scholars letter writing event.
The Beyond Boundaries Scholars program is a presidential initiative that helps break down financial barriers to receiving a Virginia Tech education. It has impacted the lives of more than 650 Virginia Tech students and their families since 2016, including 48 graduates this past spring.
Beyond making Virginia Tech more affordable, the program also opens doors to opportunities and experiences – such as research assistantships, internships, possibilities to study abroad, and more – that allow students to pursue their passions.
Four Beyond Boundaries scholars talk about how the program makes a difference in their lives:
Annie Landgraf graduated in May with a degree in computer engineering controls, robotics, and autonomy. Receiving the Beyond Boundaries scholarship was a defining factor in her decision to attend Virginia Tech.
As the first person in her family to attend college out-of-state, she had limited financial resources.
“I joined the program as a first-year student. It allowed me to come to college because it helped with the financial aspect,” she said.
Beyond Boundaries not only helped her overcome those financial obstacles, but also made it possible for her to create connections, focus on her studies, and stay on track to push through as she works to achieve her goals.
Julia Frederick graduated in May ith a degree in biomedical engineering. She was drawn to Virginia Tech because of the research opportunities that would be available to her, but engaging with those experiences would have been difficult without support from Beyond Boundaries.
“Beyond Boundaries has been really helpful,” she said. “They offer financial support. It takes off the stress of being a student and having to do so many things at the same time. It makes a big impact.”
Frederick appreciates other forms of support she receives through the program, such as the chance to talk about her goals, and events like the Beyond Boundaries Scholars Celebration where she and scholars can meet the program’s donors and connect with other students.
Diana Sevilla-Pastora is a junio majoring in biochemistry. She always loved Virginia Tech, but the Beyond Boundaries scholarship locked in her decision to attend the university.
“I was worried about the financial aspect. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to do as many things as I can because I might have to work, or I would feel guilty about how it might affect my parents. With Beyond Boundaries, I really don’t have to worry about anything,” she said.
Her dream is to join Engineers Without Borders and travel the world and share what she has learned and researched. The Beyond Boundaries Scholars program helps her pursue that dream by allowing time to engage with research opportunities and the potential to gain global experience through study abroad.
Quayvon Nash is a sophomore majoring in accounting. He will be the first person in his family to graduate with a college degree, but before the Beyond Boundaries scholarship, college did not seem like an option for him.
“I didn’t know how I was going to pay for my tuition. When I realized I got the scholarship, I smiled. Now I can go to my classes, do my work, and be a college student without worrying about the burden of paying tuition. I am so thankful for being a recipient,” he said.
Financial support from the Beyond Boundaries Scholars program helps students like Nash focus on the reasons why they chose to go to Virginia Tech – to learn, grow, and pursue their passions.
A program built by community
At its core, the Beyond Boundaries Scholars program highlights what it means to be a Hokie: to live in the spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). The program’s success is attributed to those who support it and the students who are able to thrive at Virginia Tech because of their generosity.
The program also aligns with the goals of Virginia Tech Advantage, a multiyear, universitywide initiative to offer the full Virginia Tech educational experience to students.
Learn more about the Beyond Boundaries Scholars program and how to get involved online.
