The D-backs Avnet STEM Scholars program recently celebrated its fourth year as a partnership by awarding surprise scholarships to ten deserving students.
Avnet and the Arizona Diamondbacks began the program in 2023, committing $2 million in college scholarships to the program through St. Vincent de Paul. Students were awarded a four-year scholarship, along with a personalized D-backs jersey, a new laptop, headphones and a $500 gift card for school supplies.
This year’s group was surprised with their scholarship package at a pre-game celebration on April 18 at Chase Field. The event was attended by Derrick Hall, president & CEO of the Arizona Diamondbacks; Phil Gallagher, Avnet CEO; Dayna Badhorn, Regional President, Avnet Americas; Mike McCoy, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer, Avnet; and Shannon Clancy, CEO, St. Vincent De Paul.
McCoy shared these words of encouragement with the scholars: “Each of you earned your place here through persistence, discipline and commitment to your education—often while balancing challenges that many people never have to think twice about.
The path to a STEM degree isn’t easy under any circumstance. You’ve taken that journey knowing the stakes were high—not just for yourselves, but for the people who believe in you. That matters.”
The scholars are high-potential, first-generation Arizona students. St. Vincent de Paul has been assisting scholars through this program for more than 20 years. Through its program with St. Vincent de Paul, students are paired with mentors and supported throughout their educational journey. This past year, Avnet was able to pair two of the scholars with volunteer mentors from Avnet, who will work with the students for all four years of their college career.
This year’s scholars are entering college to study a wide range of fields, including conservation biology, accounting, nursing, forensic science, biology (pre‑med), engineering, robotics, mechanical and electrical engineering, cybersecurity, and data science.
In addition to the STEM Scholars celebration, Avnet was recognized during the game with the Heart of the Diamond Legacy Circle award, which honors the Diamondbacks Foundation’s most generous donors and dedicated supporters whose extraordinary commitment fuels lasting impact across the community. Avnet was recognized for its role in helping the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation surpass $100 million in charitable giving, a milestone they reached earlier this year
Watch the STEM Scholars recap video.