First-Generation College Student From Newark Earns $20K Scholarship

NEWARK, NJ — A college student and "first-generation American" from Newark who knows the value of hard work – and a dollar earned – recently earned a $20,000 scholarship from Spectrum.

The cable and internet provider announced its sixth class of "Spectrum Scholars" earlier this year, awarding 15 college students a total of $300,000 in scholarships through a two-year program that pairs financial support with mentorship, professional development and the opportunity for a paid internship.

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The high-achievers included Rebecca Vitorino of Newark.

Vitorino – a student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte – nailed down a $20,000 scholarship under the program.

It was well-received, said Vitorino, a first-generation American and first-generation college student in her family.

"I worked a lot of part-time jobs during college and in high school to save enough to go to school," Vitorino said. "This scholarship will give me more free time to explore what I truly like, what I am passionate about, and what road, pathway, or opportunity I can explore for my career."

Vitorino also said the scholarship will help her spend more time with her family – including her parents.

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