The scholarship recipients are part of this year’s 20 high school scholarships from The Howard Hughes Corporation, an educational funding initiative which began in the 1980s
The Howard Hughes Corporation, the developer of the award-winning master planned community, The Woodlands, has awarded two scholarships on behalf of the Howard Hughes Executive Club to local high school graduates to pursue their college endeavors. This is the second year that Executive Club scholarships have been awarded, and they are part of the 20 high school scholarships awarded this year, an education tradition which the developer has funded since the 1980s.
The Howard Hughes Executive Club is dedicated to fostering community, innovation and growth through grants, charity donations and scholarships. Established in 2019, The Howard Hughes Executive Club is a network of esteemed Howard Hughes business partners, which are comprised of major tenants in one of the many Howard Hughes Class A and AAA office buildings in The Woodlands.
The Howard Hughes Executive Club recognized the entrepreneurial spirit of two high school seniors in The Woodlands with scholarship opportunities. Criteria included an essay with a topic of developing a business in The Woodlands. The scholarships were judged by educational staff.
“These Executive Club scholarships are awarded to young individuals who encompass the spirit of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurialism,” said Jim Carman, President – Houston Region for Howard Hughes. “We have awarded 20 college scholarships to high school graduates this year and wish the students the best in their future educational endeavors.”
Howard Hughes is also funding four additional college scholarships through an endowment at Lone Star College System, committed to helping community youths pursue a college education.
The awarding of scholarships is part of the HHCares community-focused philanthropic funding and volunteerism program in which Howard Hughes contributes in the Houston region to over 130 local causes of nonprofit organizations each year.
The winners of the Executive Club college scholarships for 2021 are Ian Pedroza of The Woodlands College Park High School and Erin Mack of The Woodlands High School.
Ian described his business idea for creating a “Volunteering App” in his essay. The app would match local volunteering opportunities with the preferences and availability of those who are interested in volunteering. The app would help facilitate the prospect of volunteering with nearby charities and organizations by making it accessible and convenient for all. He also would develop a custom QR code to help volunteers keep track of their community service hours.
Erin’s essay described her business idea of creating a cheese company that would craft animal-shaped cheese designs that would be targeted toward elementary school age children and sold in local grocery stores. She named her business “Curd Nerd” and also created a company brand logo.
Ian Pedroza, plans to attend University of Pennsylvania, and Erin Mack plans to attend Auburn University.
Congratulations Ian and Erin!