A Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) scholar continued his studies at TMCF member school Howard University (Howard) thanks to a hardship scholarship.
Mason Bilgen, a civil engineering major at Howard, said the TMCF | JPMorgan Chase Hardship Scholarship was critical to his education.
“Receiving this scholarship has truly been a blessing and allowed me to continue my matriculation through Howard,” Bilgen said. “The scholarship assisted me in clearing my fall semester balance and removing my hold, which allowed me to register and continue my classes during the spring semester.”
Bilgen plans to join a reputable engineering firm after graduation to gain industry experience and establish a strong foundation for his career. His long-term career goal is to build and lead a globally recognized engineering and construction company with an extensive and diverse project portfolio.
He also plans to reach back and help his community.
“I am deeply committed to partnering with non-profit organizations to develop affordable housing initiatives across the United States,” Bilgen said. “These initiatives aim to address critical housing needs, particularly in inner-city areas like New York, where I grew up, by providing support for vulnerable populations such as the homeless and residents enduring substandard public housing conditions.”
Attending the TMCFxHUSA: Unlocking Future Opportunities, Scholarships & Pathways panel discussion in October last year was a truly eye-opening experience, he said, highlighting the extensive opportunities provided by TMCF, through scholarships but also through programs such as the CBRE Immersion Program and Leadership Institute.
“It was inspiring to see how many students, in circumstances similar to mine, have been supported by TMCF,” Bilgen said. “I had the opportunity to connect with these students and engage with TMCF staff, fostering relationships that will undoubtedly be invaluable in the future.”
Bilgen’s journey through higher education continues and he’s committed to crossing the finish line.
“I plan to explore more external scholarship opportunities through TMCF as I continue to battle the financial struggles of graduating from HU,” he said. “I am truly appreciative of the opportunity TMCF has already given me to receive the JP Morgan Chase Hardship Scholarship.”
