Gentex scholarship helps female students pursue STEM careers

Madelyn Rynsburger and Paige Lampen, who share a common goal of inspiring others to join them in STEM fields, are the first recipients of the Amanda Clark Scholarship.

The Gentex Foundation announced the scholarship program in October of last year, to support female high school seniors pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM).

Rynsburger and Lampen will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship for the 2023–24 school year. The scholarship is renewable for up to three years for a total of $20,000 in college tuition support.

2023–24 recipients

Rynsburger is a senior at Zeeland West High School who plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at Grand Valley State University. She is a member of the Zeeland High School FIRST Robotics team and the school’s National Honor Society.

“I hope to be an inspiration for the next generation of female scientists, mathematicians, and engineers,” Rynsburger says in her essay submission for the scholarship. “Math team coaches and robotics mentors have been important role models for me. I want to be that for someone else.”

Lampen is a senior at Holland Christian High School. She will attend Purdue University to study chemical engineering. Paige is active in the school’s Science Olympiad program and theater club.

“From a young age, I’ve always strived to prove to others that I can do anything I set my mind to,” Paige shares in her essay submission. “The STEM field is getting increasingly more inclusive, and I am proud to continue growing the percentage of women in STEM.”

Breaking down stereotypes

The Amanda Clark Scholarship was created in memory of a Gentex employee who earned a manufacturing engineering degree from Kettering University and worked at Gentex for eight years, using her technical skills in a variety of roles.

“This year’s scholarship recipients have both expressed a desire to break down gender stereotypes regarding women in STEM and follow their passion for engineering into their secondary education,” says Gentex President and CEO Steve Downing. “We are proud to provide financial support through this scholarship to encourage them to stay committed to their career aspirations.”

The Amanda Clark Scholarship Program will begin accepting new applicants for the 2023-24 school year on Nov. 1, 2023. Scholarship rules and requirements are available here.

The Gentex Foundation provides grants to support a wide variety of causes, including economic development, business innovation, children’s services, education, public health, mental health, housing assistance, elder care, job training, family assistance, diversity initiatives, and physical and substance abuse programs. The grants support long- and short-term needs in the community. 

Related:

Gentex launches charitable foundation