A big win for one local student is turning heads in Liverpool, New York. Amna Mustafa, a senior at Liverpool High School, has been named one of just 400 nationwide recipients of the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship, a prestigious award that offers financial assistance and career opportunities for students pursuing technology-related degrees.
Here’s everything you need to know about the scholarship, why it matters, and how students like Amna are paving the way in STEM fields.
What Is the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship?
The Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) Scholarship is a nationwide program created by Amazon to help high school seniors from underserved and underrepresented communities pursue degrees in computer science, engineering, or other tech-related fields.
Key Benefits:
- Up to $40,000 in college funding (up to $10,000 per year for four years)
- A paid summer internship at Amazon after the student’s first year of college
- Mentorship and professional development opportunities
- Networking access with tech leaders and innovators
Launched as part of Amazon’s broader initiative to promote equity and diversity in STEM, the AFE Scholarship provides more than just financial aid, it’s a gateway to real-world experience in one of the world’s biggest tech companies.
Read: Stock Market Investing 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Making Smart Investments
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is designed for high-achieving students who meet the following basic criteria:
- High school seniors planning to attend a four-year college or university
- Demonstrated financial need
- Academic achievement, especially in STEM-related courses
- A clear interest in computer science, software engineering, mechanical or electrical engineering, or related fields
- Plans to pursue a full-time degree in a tech-related field
Students also complete coursework in computer science and participate in coding activities, clubs, or similar programs.
Celebrating Amna Mustafa: Local Talent with a National Spotlight
Among the 400 students across the country to receive the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship this year is Amna Mustafa, who currently attends Liverpool High School in the Liverpool Central School District.
Why Amna Stands Out:
- Academic Excellence: Amna has maintained a strong academic record throughout high school, particularly in math and science.
- STEM Passion: Her interest in technology and her drive to study computer science made her a strong candidate.
- Community-Focused Mindset: AFE scholars are chosen not just for their academic results but for their commitment to making an impact, and Amna fits this mold perfectly.
- Financial Consideration: As with all AFE scholars, financial need is a key factor, ensuring support goes to students who need it most.
Thanks to the scholarship, Amna will receive up to $40,000 toward her college education, plus a guaranteed paid internship at Amazon after her freshman year an opportunity that provides a strong start in the tech world.
How Are Recipients Selected?
Amazon works with Scholarship America, a trusted nonprofit scholarship administrator, to review and evaluate student applications.
Selection Criteria Includes:
- High school transcripts and GPA
- Involvement in coding classes, robotics clubs, or STEM activities
- Personal essays outlining goals and passion for tech
- Letters of recommendation
- Demonstrated financial need
This thorough review process ensures that scholars are not only academically capable but also motivated, community-minded, and ready to contribute to the future of technology.
Read: Amazon to Close 7 Quebec Warehouses, Cutting 1,700 Jobs: What It Means for Workers and Shoppers
Why This Scholarship Is So Important
For many students, the journey to a career in tech is blocked by financial challenges or lack of access to resources. The AFE program helps remove those barriers by providing both money and experience.
Long-Term Benefits:
- Debt relief through college financial support
- Resume-building internships that set students apart
- Mentorship and career guidance from professionals in the field
- Increased diversity in STEM industries, where certain communities remain underrepresented
By investing in students like Amna, Amazon is helping build a more inclusive and innovative tech workforce for tomorrow.
Amna Mustafa’s achievement is a proud moment for Liverpool High School and a powerful example of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. The Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship is more than just a financial award, it’s a launchpad for a new generation of leaders in technology.
As Amna prepares for her college journey, she does so with the support, resources, and connections to thrive. And for other students with a passion for tech, her success is a reminder that big dreams are within reach with the right support.
Interested in applying for the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship? Visit the official Amazon Future Engineer page for eligibility details, application dates, and resources to help you get started.
