Congratulations to recent graduate Yobosa Idahosa '26 on receiving the prestigious Green Family Foundation scholarship in recognition of her thoughtful vision for using engineering to create meaningful change in underserved communities.

The scholarship required applicants to answer the question, "How do you plan on using your college education to give back to your community?" Idahosa's essay impressed the selection committee with its clear sense of purpose, personal connection, and commitment to expanding opportunities through engineering.

For Idahosa, the topic was personal.

"I have always had an interest in serving underserved communities, specifically Black communities and communities of color, because of my experience as a Black African woman in predominantly white spaces," she said. "I am a Nigerian American, and my father does a great deal of medical work serving communities in Nigeria. I want to do the same, through engineering, by creating devices designed for those same communities. I also want to expand STEM education in places where those opportunities are limited."

While at the University of Pennsylvania this fall, Idahosa will major in Electrical Engineering and hopes to develop devices through Penn’s Device Research and Engineering Lab that will increase renewable energy resources in Black communities. In her Green Family Foundation essay, she said, “Working with Penn’s Engineers Without Borders will grant me experience in engineering sustainable solutions for underserved populations.”

Idahosa found numerous opportunities to explore and develop her passion for engineering at GA. Through Upper School Science Teacher Diane Goldstein's engineering course, she was introduced to different disciplines within the field.  Her work in Science Research allowed her to investigate engineering challenges affecting Black communities. She also founded the Upper School club, Women in STEM, creating opportunities to educate fellow students while leading outreach initiatives at underserved schools, including Davenport Elementary School in Norristown.

"GA helped shape my interest in engineering in so many ways," Idahosa said. "From learning about different engineering disciplines in class to conducting research and leading Women in STEM, I was able to see both the technical and educational sides of engineering and how they can be used to make a difference."