SUNY Westchester Community College announced the newest cohort of PepsiCo Foundation NextStep Scholars: four students who will transfer to four-year institutions to pursue degrees in engineering and business. The announcement marks the latest chapter in a multi-year effort that aims to help students move from the classroom into rewarding careers.
Since May 2021, this PepsiCo Foundation scholarship has supported nearly 50 SUNY WCC students, including this year’s four featured scholars. Recipients have gone on to continue their education at CUNY, SUNY, and other public and private institutions, including Ivy League schools.
This year’s scholars are:
- Andrew Boga, transferring to Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering
- Bryan Tuquinahui, transferring to The State University of New York at Binghamton (Vestal, NY) to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering
- Daisy De Leon, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and currently choosing among her four-year institution options
- Paul Munrett, transferring to Pace University at Pleasantville (Pleasantville, NY) to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration
The PepsiCo Foundation NextStep Scholarship offers more than financial support. Through the scholarship, the PepsiCo Foundation helps expand access to higher education for students pursuing their academic goals. As a major global employer headquartered in Westchester County, PepsiCo complements that support through employee mentorship, career preparation, and opportunities for students to gain exposure to real-world workplace environments. Together, these elements help create a structured pathway from community college to a bachelor’s degree and, ultimately, meaningful career opportunities.
This program and partnership are invaluable connectors in a moment where families are discussing the value of a college degree and employers are struggling to find skilled talent. By focusing on in-demand fields like engineering and business, the program helps students graduate with relevant skills and professional confidence and reduce the financial barriers that often derail transfer students and helps strengthen the local talent pipeline that Westchester County employers depend on. For the scholars and their families, it can mean a degree without overwhelming debt and a head start on a career. For the community, it can mean keeping and growing the next generation of local talent.
“This partnership demonstrates how education and industry can work together to create a tangible difference – for students, their families and communities,”said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, President of SUNY Westchester Community College. “By aligning college pathways with real workforce needs, we are helping students move from the classroom to meaningful careers.”
“Starting a career is about more than earning a degree. It’s about building confidence, expanding your network, and gaining experiences that help you see what’s possible,” said Jonathan George, Director of Social Impact, PepsiCo. ” These scholars are developing valuable skills, making meaningful connections, and gaining exposure to opportunities that can help shape their future careers. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements and support their continued success.”
