AOC Foundation Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

The AOC Foundation is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of two scholarship programs designed to advance the next generation of electronic warfare and defense professionals. These scholarships reflect the Foundation’s commitment to supporting education that strengthens America’s technological edge in aerospace and global defense.

From Service to Scholar Scholarship

Sponsored by Rohde and Schwarz USA, Inc., the From Service to Scholar program, launched earlier this year, awarded $2,000 scholarships to three exceptional veterans pursuing degrees in engineering or engineering technology. The 2025 recipients are Kristy Green of South College University, Stephen Olguin of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide, and Mateo Portelli of Old Dominion University.

With more than 25 years of experience in the federal service including active duty service in the US Army, Green will pursue a doctorate in information technology with the aim of improving acquisition processes. Olguin was an AH-64 Apache helicopter pilot in the US Army before attending Embry-Riddle, where he’s pursuing an undergraduate degree in engineering. A commissioned officer with the Virginia Army National Guard, Portelli will be on assignment with the 91st Cyber Brigade while pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity.

This new scholarship addresses a critical need for veterans transitioning from active duty to higher education. While the GI Bill provides substantial support, it often falls short of covering essential expenses such as books, technology, fees, and housing. The From Service to Scholar program bridges this gap, ensuring that those who served our nation can focus on academic excellence without financial barriers hindering their path to long-term career success in aerospace and defense.

STEM Student of the Year Scholarship

Generously funded by RTX and now in its sixth year, the STEM Student of the Year Scholarship recognizes outstanding sophomore and junior students pursuing careers in the aerospace and defense industry. The 2025 awardees, who each received $12,500 scholarships, are Hannah Blake of Virginia Tech and Kyan Macdonald of Norwich University.

Blake is pursuing a degree in computer science, while Macdonald is pursuing a degree in cybersecurity and information assurance with a minor in information warfare.

This program supports emerging talent in engineering and engineering technology, investing in students who demonstrate exceptional promise in fields critical to national security and technological innovation.

Both scholarship programs underscore the AOC Foundation’s dedication to cultivating expertise in electronic warfare and defense technologies. By recognizing exceptional undergraduate achievement and supporting veterans continuing their education, these initiatives help ensure a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet the complex challenges facing our nation’s defense infrastructure.

The Foundation extends gratitude to Rohde and Schwarz USA, Inc. and RTX for their partnership in making these opportunities possible.

To learn more about the Association of Old Crows and the AOC Foundation, visit crows.org.

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SUPPORT THE AOC FOUNDATION

The AOC Foundation provides grants and scholarships to assist military enlisted personnel, veterans, and US undergraduate students pursuing studies in engineering, physics, mathematics, and related disciplines. The Foundation also supports STEM education relating to the electromagnetic spectrum to middle and high school students around the world. To support the Foundation’s work, donate today. The AOC Foundation is also a participating charity in the Combined Federal Campaign. Make a pledge today at givecfc.org and select CFC code 72037.