
Battelle-UCM and Valencourt Scholarships
We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2017 UCM Scholarships awards. “Our scholarship programs focus on keeping youth and families moving forward so they can create bright futures for themselves, full of opportunity,” says Alison DeCourcey, UCM Executive Director. "We appreciate our partnership with Battelle and the generous bequest from the estate of Mrs. Lois Valencourt that make these scholarships possible. Their commitment to invest in access to opportunity is invaluable."
Graduating seniors, as well as recent graduates from the previous three years, at Bryant Alternative High School, Mount Vernon High School, and West Potomac High School are eligible to apply for UCM scholarships every spring.
Alison told the students at the recent recognition ceremonies: "We congratulate you and your families on your accomplishments. As you embark on the next chapter of your educational paths, we wish you continued success.”
2017 Battelle-UCM Scholarships
Funded by a grant from Battelle, these competitive college scholarships are designed to encourage economically-challenged Mount Vernon area high school seniors to pursue college studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Scholarship candidates must demonstrate leadership, confidence in dealing with challenges, commitment to goals, and active participation in community service, extracurricular activities, or work. The 2017 Battelle-UCM Scholars are:
Noorjahan Sheikh graduated from Mount Vernon High School and will attend Virginia Commonwealth University to study biology with the goal to become an emergency room physician.
Ana Villalobos graduated from West Potomac High School and will attend Virginia Commonwealth University to pursue her dream to become a dentist.
Read more about the Battelle-UCM Scholarships >>
We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2017 UCM Scholarships awards. “Our scholarship programs focus on keeping youth and families moving forward so they can create bright futures for themselves, full of opportunity,” says Alison DeCourcey, UCM Executive Director. "We appreciate our partnership with Battelle and the generous bequest from the estate of Mrs. Lois Valencourt that make these scholarships possible. Their commitment to invest in access to opportunity is invaluable."
Graduating seniors, as well as recent graduates from the previous three years, at Bryant Alternative High School, Mount Vernon High School, and West Potomac High School are eligible to apply for UCM scholarships every spring.
Alison told the students at the recent recognition ceremonies: "We congratulate you and your families on your accomplishments. As you embark on the next chapter of your educational paths, we wish you continued success.”
2017 Battelle-UCM Scholarships
Funded by a grant from Battelle, these competitive college scholarships are designed to encourage economically-challenged Mount Vernon area high school seniors to pursue college studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Scholarship candidates must demonstrate leadership, confidence in dealing with challenges, commitment to goals, and active participation in community service, extracurricular activities, or work. The 2017 Battelle-UCM Scholars are:
Noorjahan Sheikh graduated from Mount Vernon High School and will attend Virginia Commonwealth University to study biology with the goal to become an emergency room physician.
Ana Villalobos graduated from West Potomac High School and will attend Virginia Commonwealth University to pursue her dream to become a dentist.
Read more about the Battelle-UCM Scholarships >>

2017 Valencourt Scholarships
Thanks to a generous bequest in 2014, the Lois Valencourt Scholarship Fund enables students who have graduated from high schools in the Mount Vernon area to pursue post-secondary training and career advancement after graduation. Graduating seniors, as well as recent graduates from the previous three years, at Bryant Alternative High School, Mount Vernon High School, and West Potomac High School are eligible to apply for these scholarships.
Pictured at the June ceremony to present UCM’s 2017 Lois Valencourt Scholarship awards are: (from left) Harry Wood, attorney for Mrs. Valencourt’s estate, and recipient Zulemy Loza.
The Valencourt Scholars for 2017 are:
Thanks to a generous bequest in 2014, the Lois Valencourt Scholarship Fund enables students who have graduated from high schools in the Mount Vernon area to pursue post-secondary training and career advancement after graduation. Graduating seniors, as well as recent graduates from the previous three years, at Bryant Alternative High School, Mount Vernon High School, and West Potomac High School are eligible to apply for these scholarships.
Pictured at the June ceremony to present UCM’s 2017 Lois Valencourt Scholarship awards are: (from left) Harry Wood, attorney for Mrs. Valencourt’s estate, and recipient Zulemy Loza.
The Valencourt Scholars for 2017 are:
Angela Gallegos is a 2016 graduate of Bryant Alternative High School and was a 2016 Valencourt Scholarship recipient. She will continue her studies at Northern Virginia Community College, where she has maintained a 4.0 GPA while working full time during her first year. “I want to be a positive role model for my son, showing him that with hard work and an education, anything is possible,” she explains. Gallegos is on track to graduate next year with an Associate of Science degree in early childhood development.
Zulemy Loza is a 2017 graduate of West Potomac High School and will pursue a degree in social work or criminology at George Mason University. She is a member of the Fairfax County Police Explorer’s program, where she was promoted to sergeant in 2016. Loza has been a UCM volunteer, stating: “UCM has helped me to learn that developing a connection with the people who you are helping is important.”
Keara V. Perez is a 2017 graduate of West Potomac High School, where she earned a certification as a Clinical Medical Assistant. She plans to pursue a nursing degree at Northern Virginia Community College. In addition to attending high school full time, she also completed a paid internship with Fairfax County Public Schools where she learned information technology and business skills.
Ana Villalobos, who received a Battelle-UCM Scholarship, also received a Valencourt Scholarship. She is the first person in her family to graduate high school and attend college.
Read more about Mrs. Valencourt and the 2017 awardees >>
Zulemy Loza is a 2017 graduate of West Potomac High School and will pursue a degree in social work or criminology at George Mason University. She is a member of the Fairfax County Police Explorer’s program, where she was promoted to sergeant in 2016. Loza has been a UCM volunteer, stating: “UCM has helped me to learn that developing a connection with the people who you are helping is important.”
Keara V. Perez is a 2017 graduate of West Potomac High School, where she earned a certification as a Clinical Medical Assistant. She plans to pursue a nursing degree at Northern Virginia Community College. In addition to attending high school full time, she also completed a paid internship with Fairfax County Public Schools where she learned information technology and business skills.
Ana Villalobos, who received a Battelle-UCM Scholarship, also received a Valencourt Scholarship. She is the first person in her family to graduate high school and attend college.
Read more about Mrs. Valencourt and the 2017 awardees >>
UCM's Scholarship Programs are just one of many comprehensive services that provide a path to financial independence and self-reliance – including Kindergarten readiness at the UCM Early Learning Center, after-school enrichment activities that foster leadership skills at UCM’s neighborhood community centers, and scholarships that enable career and life success. You can help ensure a brighter future for families and youth, learn more about UCM Programs.
(UCM E-news, August 2017)
(UCM E-news, August 2017)