In May of 2023, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and Avnet announced a $1 million commitment to scholarships for Arizona college-bound STEM students over a four-year period. D-backs Avnet STEM Scholars, in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul, is a program that expands opportunities for high-potential, first-generation Arizona college-bound students pursuing a college degree and career in STEM.
On May 17th, 2025, the D-backs and Avnet surprised the third annual class of D-backs Avnet STEM Scholars with a reception at Chase Field alongside their family and friends. In addition to their scholarship, each scholar received a custom jersey, a new laptop, backpack, headphones, and $500 gift card for school supplies. Each scholar also receives complimentary tickets to D-backs home games!
This year’s class of twelve scholars brings the total number of recipients to 33 over the past three years.
The D-backs and Avnet congratulate the 2025 D-backs Avnet STEM Scholars:
- Nadir Babiker – Software Engineering at Arizona State University
- Helena Contreras – Software Engineering at Arizona State University
- Dolores Franco Paramo – Pharmacology at University of Arizona
- Nayasse Fuentes – Dental Hygiene at Phoenix College
- Itaty Gonzalez – Dental Hygiene at Arizona State University
- Kamali Ishimwe – Biosciences at Phoenix College
- Presten Lawler – Mechanical Engineering at Arizona State University
- Jesse Lopez Martin – Civil Engineering at Arizona State University
- Josie Salazar – Computer Science at Arizona State University
- Caley Suarez – Computer Science at Arizona State University
- Casey Suarez – Computer Science at Arizona State University
- Jesus Zermeno – Electrical Engineering at Arizona State University