Rentec Direct proudly announces the 2025 Tech Mastery Scholarship recipients. This year’s winners, selected from dozens of Oregon applicants, exemplify excellence and innovation in the field of technology. These scholarships support their academic and professional aspirations in computer science and related disciplines.
Rentec Direct is pleased to announce the Rentec Direct Tech Mastery Scholarship recipients for 2025.
Since 2016, Rentec Direct has offered assistance to graduate and undergraduate students pursuing an education in technology by helping them achieve their academic dreams and future goals in the technology industry.
The 2025 Tech Mastery Scholarship has been awarded to students pursuing a degree in computer science or a related field.
“We are continuously investing in the ongoing education of our own team, and we find it incredibly rewarding to recognize and support students who are passionate about making a difference in the technology field,” said Kaycee Miller, Chair of the Tech Mastery Scholarship at Rentec Direct.
Tech Mastery Scholarship
As part of the application process, students are to submit an essay answering the following questions:
- How have your personal experiences influenced your desire to pursue a degree in tech?
- Consider the role your education and future career will play in shaping the tech industry. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave, and how will your academic and professional pursuits contribute to innovation, progress, and meaningful change within the field?
Essays were evaluated based on the level of creativity, humor, grammar, and content. Applicants were also allowed to submit a self-created video essay that answered the above essay questions as part of their application in lieu of a written response.
Additionally, applicants were also asked to submit a brief cover letter explaining why they are pursuing their chosen degree and how it will benefit them in the future.
“The scholarship committee is continually inspired by the caliber of applicants each year,” says Nathan Miller, president of Rentec Direct. “This year’s recipients truly distinguished themselves with their creativity, drive, and dedication to the future of technology. Their stories and aspirations remind us why supporting the next generation of innovators is so important.”
2025 Tech Mastery Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients!
Mariam Saleh, Portland State University
Mariam Saleh is a junior at Portland State University. Mariam is pursuing a degree in Computer & Data Science. Along with pursuing her undergraduate degree, Mariam has participated in varsity basketball and tennis, and belonged to the National Honor Society.
Mariam is passionate about representing individuals who often feel unseen in the tech industry, writing, “Throughout my academic journey, I’ve focused not only on technical skills but also on human centered design. For a recent project, I interviewed individuals with firsthand experience of educational barriers in low income communities. That experience reinforced my goal: to design tools and platforms that remove barriers to learning, especially for those historically left behind.” Mariam aspires to become a software engineer and eventually start her own business.
Esso Alvarez, Oregon State University
Esso Alvarez is a rising freshman at Oregon State University majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Esso dreams of becoming a design engineer, blending creativity, sustainability, and innovation to solve real-world problems and bring new ideas to life. Esso participated in the ACE Mentorship Program and contributed to a collaborative design project for the redevelopment of a town center in Portland’s Lloyd District. Esso also founded and led a STEM program for middle schoolers through Portland Parks and Recreation’s SUN program.
Esso explained, “As an aspiring mechanical engineer with plans to minor in aerospace and eventually pursue a master’s degree in the field, I am committed to mastering the technical and creative skills needed to bridge the gap between learning and innovation.”
Carson Willard, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Carson Willard is a Rogue River resident and rising freshman at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, pursuing a degree in Aeronautical Science. During his high school career, Carson has taken AP courses and earned academic excellence awards in subjects ranging from Physics and Biology to Spanish and Bible. Carson also received Academic All-State recognition in Football (2022–2024) and Baseball (2023–2024) while competing as a three-sport athlete.
Carson plans to pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot, combining technical skills with leadership and service. Carson writes, “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated by planes. I’d stop whatever I was doing just to watch one fly overhead. The idea of being up there—flying, staying calm under pressure, being in control—just stuck with me. That’s what led me to decide I want to become a pilot, and I’m starting college soon to study aeronautical science.”
2026 Scholarship Deadline
Rentec Direct introduced the Tech Mastery Scholarship in 2016 for students pursuing an education in computer science or technology.
Interested in applying next year? The next deadline for the Tech Mastery Scholarship is in April 2026. College students must be enrolled full-time at an accredited Oregon college or university, and high school seniors must be Oregon residents or accepted into or planning to enroll in an Oregon-based college or university. Applicants can check in for updates to the Rentec Direct’s Tech Mastery Scholarship page to see when the application window will open for 2026.
About the Rentec Direct Tech Mastery Scholarship
Rentec Direct offers up to four $500.00 scholarships per year to outstanding college students pursuing an education in computer science, software development, or other closely related fields of study. For more information about eligibility, requirements, and upcoming deadlines visit the Rentec Direct Tech Mastery Scholarship page.