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The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, is offering twelve $5,000 scholarships to Greater Cleveland-area students pursuing STEM-related postsecondary degrees as part of the Lorraine Dodero STEM Goes Red for Girls Scholarship program.
The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement and Lorraine Dodero of The Sam J. Frankino Foundation developed the Cleveland STEM Goes Red for Girls Scholarship in 2019 with the goal of bridging the gap between the interest of female students in pursuing a career in a science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) field and achieving their goals.
PICTURED (L to R): Amy Ingraham, 2024 Scholarship Award Recipient, Bay High School, Lorraine Dodero, Trustee/Chairman, The Sam J. Frankino Foundation, Karina Krishnan, 2024 Scholarship Award Recipient, Beachwood High School, India Makayla Woodson, 2024 Scholarship Award Recipient, Bedford High School
“Women make up almost half of employment across non-STEM occupations, but just over 29% of the STEM workforce,” said Lorraine Dodero, trustee and chairman of the Sam J. Frankino Foundation. “Today’s economy and tomorrow’s well-being depend on innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), but a troubling gap exists when it comes to women in STEM occupations. These scholarships help students fund the first step of their future in an area of study they’re passionate about.”
As part of the application process, students applying must submit a 500-word essay detailing why they are interested in pursuing a STEM-related degree, how their STEM major will contribute to their future career plans and the importance of STEM in general. In addition to the essay, criteria for receiving the STEM Goes Red for Girls Scholarship is based on applicants’ academic achievements, high school transcripts and two letters of recommendation. The deadline to apply is May 30, 2025.
“It is crucial to get more young girls interested and involved in STEM fields because women are vastly underrepresented in these areas,” said Natalina Dziubek, Senior Director of Sales, West and Midwest Region at Microsoft and chair of the American Heart Association’s 2025 STEM Goes Red for Girls campaign. “I personally have been in the tech industry for 22 years and there are still many meetings where I am the only female represented and there is much room for women in leadership positions and board level roles. “While one woman might face challenges in being heard, two women can uplift each other, and three women together can amplify their voices and perspectives, making a powerful and recognized impact.”
PICTURED (L to R): Audrey Malcuit, 2024 Scholarship Award Recipient, Padua Franciscan High School & Lorraine Dodero, Trustee/Chairman, The Sam J. Frankino Foundation
Karina Krishnan is currently a junior at Beachwood High School. She was a recipient of the 2024 Lorraine Dodero STEM Scholarship. She says she’s been interested in STEM her entire life, building IKEA furniture at age 8, and is excited to use these funds to invest in her lifelong passion.
“While I’m still trying to figure out what my dream job is, I’m excited to combine my love for STEM with business when I attend college,” Krishnan said. “It was a dream come true to receive this scholarship. It really showed that all my hard work and efforts in STEM paid off and that girls can be successful in a male dominated field.”
PICTURED (L to R): April Tzrop, The MetroHealth System, Julie Gotschall, The American Heart Association, Jenna Perpar, 2024 STEM Goes Red Legacy Chair, Swagelok, Lorraine Dodero, Trustee/Chairman, The Sam J. Frankino Foundation, Natalina Dziubek, 2025 STEM Goes Red Chair, Microsoft, Racheal Seibert, The Sam J. Frankino Foundation
The scholarship application committee, made up of volunteers representing the American Heart Association in the STEM fields will review the applications and select the scholarship recipients. Winners will be notified by July 2025.
“Being part of the selection process and gifting these scholarships through this year’s campaign is incredibly meaningful to me,” said Natalina Dziubek. “It represents a tangible way to support and empower the next generation of female STEM leaders throughout Northeast Ohio across countless counties. I am immensely grateful for Lorraine’s donation and focus on this initiative. These scholarships will help bridge the gap between the interest of female students in pursuing a career in STEM and achieving their goals. It’s empowering them with a belief that their dreams matter and are attainable.”
Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
Click here to learn more or apply!