Scholarship recipient Robert Bills has turned his life around after years of struggle. With support from Lockheed Martin, he hopes to become an operations manager.
Media Contact: Cherie Yurco; cmyurco@dcccd.edu
For immediate release — Sept. 1, 2022
(DALLAS) — Seventeen students from Dallas College started the Fall semester with less financial burden. Each was awarded a $5,000 Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship toward programs in advanced manufacturing, computer science, engineering or mechanic/repair technologies.
Vocational scholarship awardees were selected based on academic performance, work experience, stated career and educational goals, and personal and family circumstances. Additional consideration was given to students from underrepresented groups as well as those with military service. Dallas College is among the colleges located near Lockheed Martin facilities and considered a priority institution.
“Community engagement partners play a vital role in supporting students at Dallas College,” said Lori Jaide Watson, deputy director, Dallas College Foundation. “We are excited to work with Lockheed Martin to provide students majoring in these in-demand fields with essential resources and opportunities they need to realize their full potential and develop into the next generation of STEM leaders.”
Among this year’s recipients, Robert Bills is a logistics and supply chain management major who hopes to eventually earn a bachelor’s degree. Bills has worked for Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon food delivery service for more than two years and would like to become an operations manager for the company.
His story is one of redemption. After spending years in and out of prison and using illegal drugs to self-medicate his chronic pain, he had back surgery to remove a bone shard from his spine. Since his release from prison two and a half years ago, Bills has turned his life around.
Bills’ success coach suggested he apply for scholarships, and receiving one has been especially poignant. “I’ve never been given anything in my life, especially not on merit, because my life was meritless for a long time. It has impacted me greatly,” he said, proudly adding that he has joined the National Collegiate Honor Society.
Dallas College Logistics and Supply Chain Management Program Coordinator Michael Gallaway said, “Scholarships from our community partners create significant dividends because they allow students — especially nontraditional students — to improve their skills and advance their careers. This, in turn, benefits our community because it provides the types of employees that our community partners seek.”
In January 2020, Lockheed Martin launched the Vocational Scholarship program to support students of all ages participating in skills-based training in engineering, technology and advanced manufacturing fields. It is a critical component of Lockheed Martin’s investment in workforce development and education.
“We recognize the value of diverse talent and skills needed to build the STEM pipeline in the United States,” said Greg Karol, Lockheed Martin senior vice president and chief human resources officer. “In today’s ever-changing environment, it’s important to assist these individuals with their career goals and stay connected with them throughout their journey.”
Among this year’s approximately 150 Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship recipients, 55% are first-generation college students, and 50% identify with underrepresented racial and ethnic demographic groups. Twelve percent identify as having a disability, and 12% identify with the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Dallas College and the Dallas College Foundation are committed to cultivating a competitive and diverse workforce capable of making significant contributions to emerging technologies,” Watson added.
Applications for next year’s Lockheed Martin Vocational and STEM Scholarships will open in January 2023.
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