Wentworth Institute of Science and Health STEM Conference Grant

Overview

The Wentworth Institute of Science and Health (W.I.S.H) is dedicated to supporting the development of future scientists by offering financial assistance, hands-on learning, and expert mentorship. Through its annual WineSTEM 5K fundraiser, W.I.S.H. provides $500 scholarships to U.S. high school students entering STEM fields and $1,000 travel grants to post-secondary students attending STEM conferences. Businesses can also sponsor these awards, with W.I.S.H. handling the full administrative process to ensure fair and effective distribution.

Scholarship and Grant Programs

W.I.S.H flagship programs are primarily funded through the annual W.I.S.H. WineSTEM 5K (held on the last Sunday of October). These programs include:

• $500 scholarships for high school students in the United States entering STEM fields, including traditional universities, trade schools, and apprenticeships.
• $1000 STEM Conference Travel Grants for post-secondary students across the United States.
• Additionally, businesses can sponsor individual high school scholarships or STEM Conference Travel Grants, with W.I.S.H. providing full administrative support, including personalized application development, unbiased evaluation, and fund distribution.

W.I.S.H. Neil Keefe Memorial Grant

Neil graduated with a degree in Physics from the University of Bristol, but quickly transitioned into the IT field, eventually rising to become the VP of Product at eTouches in the Event Technology industry. In 2015, alongside industry veterans Leonora Valvo and Tim Cummins, he co-founded Swoogo, an intuitive event management platform that revolutionized registration, marketing, and event logistics.

In 2020, the Swoogo team lost their “product leader, chief ‘did you test it’ advocate, quiet jokester, loyal friend, and incredible teammate.” Neil spent his final years bravely battling Amyloidosis, a rare and under-researched heart condition.

At W.I.S.H., we hope that you, the applicant for this grant, find inspiration in Neil’s life. May you pursue your knowledge and ambitions with the same passion and dedication, living life to the fullest, just as he did.

Sammy Hason Memorial Conference Grant

Sammy Hason, Sr. was a dedicated lifelong learner and exemplified that by always setting personal and professional goals for himself. He was an accomplished pharmacist of 20 years as well as an adept entrepreneur. He graduated from the University of Georgia and later married his wife, Nadia, who is also a UGA pharmacy school graduate. Sammy greatly enjoyed precepting pharmacy students and earned recognition for his ability to do so effectively. He also earned his CCIM designation in commercial real estate, a profession that he was very actively involved in. Even with these career accolades, he always believed that his biggest life achievement was being a loving father and role model to his two sons. He has left an incredible legacy for them. 

Sammy was a wonderful storyteller and had the innate ability to teach others in a way that sparked inspiration. This ability was most likely due to the fact that he was an avid and zealous reader. You could often find him writing pearls of wisdom from his life experiences as well as what he discovered from books. One of his favorite passions that he acquired from his reading was learning to become a chef. He even created two large books full of his carefully crafted recipes for others to enjoy. He inspired those around him with his incredible passion for life and his thirst for knowledge. 

Additionally, Sammy loved traveling and particularly enjoyed the beach. Many of the Hason family trips were taken to places where they could all enjoy the fresh ocean air.

Although he is no longer physically with us, his bright light will always be remembered.

Sammy will forever be known as “Egyptian Magic.”

W.I.S.H. is profoundly honored to be able to name one of our Conference Grants after this amazing individual who touched so many lives.

Grant Submission Eligibility

• The Wentworth Institute of Science and Health will award two grants, up to $1000 each, to undergraduate students, graduate students or early post-graduate research fellows to attend to a research related STEM meeting or conference.
• Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate, advanced degree, or early post-graduate fellowship in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) related field of study.
• Funds will be given from WISH directly to the grant recipient.
• WISH requests permission to showcase recipients with a photo and relevant information on the WISH website and through social media and to maintain contact for updates on activities throughout schooling.
• Full Meeting/Conference Information.
• Pre-Conference Statement.
• Budget of all anticipated expenses.
• Letter of Support from P.I./Advisor.
• Post-Travel Documents (Updated budget and Conference Synopsis – to be submitted after travel).

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