The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) celebrates its 2025 class of 131 FOSSI scholars! Since its inception, FOSSI has awarded over 860 exceptional high-school seniors $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 per year) to pursue preferred STEM degrees at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
See the video below for an inside look into how FOSSI is changing the lives of these amazing scholars.
Meet more of FOSSI’s 2025 class
Jaylon Biddle: 2025 FOSSI scholar attending Prairie View A&M University
Jaylon Biddle is from Houston, Texas, and graduated from Legacy School of Sport Sciences. He is now a freshman at Prairie View A&M University, majoring in chemical engineering. His interest in STEM began as a child while watching How It’s Made with his grandfather, when he became fascinated by how everyday products are created.
In high school, Jaylon balanced basketball with academics and graduated with a 3.9 GPA. He also enjoys drawing as a creative outlet. He hopes to use his engineering degree to support cleaner energy and safer manufacturing practices while inspiring younger students who share similar backgrounds.
Kobe Miles: 2025 FOSSI scholar attending North Carolina A&T State University
Kobe Miles is from Delaware and graduated from St. Georges Technical High School, where he studied biotechnology. He is now a freshman at North Carolina A&T State University, majoring in chemical engineering. Kobe’s interest in STEM began with encouragement from his grandmother, who inspired him to imagine a future in science.
A dedicated student athlete, Kobe competed in track and field throughout high school, where he learned perseverance and discipline. He hopes to join a chemical production company after graduation and make meaningful contributions to the field.
Hailah Sessions: 2025 FOSSI scholar attending North Carolina A&T State University
Hailah Sessions is from Charlotte, North Carolina, and graduated from Merancas Middle College High School. She is now a freshman at North Carolina A&T State University, majoring in chemical engineering. Her interest in STEM grew through high school chemistry, which inspired her to explore chemical processes and scientific problem solving.
Hailah hopes to design environmentally conscious pharmaceutical manufacturing methods that improve global access to medical products. She is inspired by her aunt, Dr. Gladys B. West, and looks forward to advocating for STEM education and supporting more students in pursuing scientific careers.
Najatte Yahaya: 2025 FOSSI scholar attending North Carolina A&T State University
Najatte Yahaya is from Niamey, Niger, and graduated from Northwest Guilford High School. She is now a freshman at North Carolina A&T State University, majoring in chemical engineering. Najatte’s passion for STEM grew through hands-on engineering projects and recognition for her strong performance in chemistry.
At NC A&T, she serves as Event Coordinator Co-Chair for the Society of Women Engineers and volunteers with STEM Early College students. She hopes to pursue a master’s degree and contribute to sustainable energy and environmental solutions that positively impact communities.
Join us in shaping the future of STEM. Discover how your company can make a lasting impact on tomorrow’s leaders as a FOSSI sponsor.
