Recent News

November 28, 2020

On behalf of everyone here at The CM Merritt Foundation, we wish you good health and happiness this Thanksgiving. This year especially, we are incredibly grateful for your past support. There is no greater gift for a university than dedicated, involved donors, and we are truly thankful for you.

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As you put together your holiday gift list, we ask you to please include The CM Merritt Foundation on your list too.

Your gift before the December 31st tax deadline will help The CM Merritt Foundation provide scholarships to exceptional students.

Plus, there's an extra benefit to you when you  give to The CM Merritt Foundation this year. Under the CARES Act, you are eligible to deduct up to $300 in charitable donations from your 2020 taxes – even if you take the standard deduction!

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VISIT OUR SECURE SITE TO MAKE YOUR DONATION NOW!

November 25, 2020

Walmart is teaming up with the country’s largest HBCU institution, North Carolina A&T State University, to make a difference for Black graduates and professionals working in STEM. The two announced their collaboration for the launch of the Equity in Education Initiative.

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The Equity in Education Initiative, powered by a $5 million investment via Walmart which is the largest corporate investment in North Carolina A&T to date, will deliver a spectrum of resources through four focus areas:

• The Black Male Initiative, housed in the Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics and created and implemented with seed funding by the ELC, will address Black male achievement, retention and graduation rates, often lower than that of their female peers.

• The Leadership Cohort Initiative will be supported by Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), and will provide male and female students in the colleges of business and engineering with the skills, coaching and connections to accelerate their professional careers after graduation.

• Advancing Blacks in Engineering aims to not only produce even more graduates in engineering, but to prepare them for leadership roles within the profession, which has been historically dominated by majority populations.

• Scholarship Support will be made available for students. While North Carolina A&T is ranked among the most affordable universities in the country, tuition can be daunting for many families.

Each focus area will support academic performance, enhance critical resources needed to graduate on time and with less debt burden, prepare graduates for first destination career readiness and expand social mobility through additional economic pathways.

June 18, 2020

Oluchi Chukwunyere, a rising senior studying computer science at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, has been selected by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities as a 2020 HBCU Competitiveness Scholar. Chukwunyere is among 44 students selected from 33 HBCUs nationwide to receive the initiative’s highest honor based on academic achievements, campus leadership, civic engagement and entrepreneurial spirit. 

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“This honor provides an opportunity for me to use my past initiatives at A&T as the blueprint,” said Chukwunyere. “One of my goals is to push and advance African Americans as well as other minorities in this tech space.”

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Chukwunyere aims to equip other scholars with programming guides and marketing resources to launch coding series at their respective colleges.

February 24, 2020

The College of Science and Technology (CoST) at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will engage Guilford County students in hands-on STEM activities beginning Monday, March 16, during its 2020 SciTech Week.

The theme for the event is “Inspiring Minds through Technological Innovation and Scientific Discovery.” Middle and high school students will participate in demonstrations facilitated by CoST students and faculty, as well as corporate partners including Carolina Biological Supply Co., Texas Instruments and Cisco. SciTech Week also focuses on preparing CoST students for the workforce.

“Faculty members and students in the College of Science and Technology continue to make groundbreaking discoveries in their respective disciplines,” said Angela White, Ph.D., CoST assistant dean of student success. “With their support, students from various grade levels will participate in activities designed to increase awareness of available opportunities to engage in cutting-edge technological developments and scientific discoveries in their own backyard.”

The Women in Science and Technology Luncheon is one of the most notable programs of the week and will feature Bridgett Ratliff Rogers, N.C. A&T alumna and senior manager of the Customer Experience and Operations team for Lenovo’s Cloud and Software division.

February 01, 2020

Women are no strangers to solving problems on a daily basis, and women in STEM and related fields at North Carolina A&T are conducting research that will help solve some of the world’s problems. Female STEM researchers at N.C. A&T are studying how to sustainably and economically continue to cultivate (farm) land for food, resolve soil and groundwater contamination issues created in prior generations, learn from the mistakes of industrialization and find ways to help eliminate the need for herd-animal antibiotics. In what are still the very male dominated fields of economics, civil and environmental engineering, and animal science, some of A&T’s researchers have seen the landscape of STEM research change. Mulumebet “Millie” Worku, Ph.D., a professor who has taught in the Department of Animal Science in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences for more than 20 years, acknowledges how far her area of study has come. “When I started there was one woman doing research,” she said. “The hardest thing for us was the persistence, making sure the women researchers kept going. Women often take on the family burden and don’t continue to do their research. Now, I have many more female students and some of my former female students end up right next door as colleagues. It’s great to see.” Stephanie Luster-Teasley, Ph.D., chairwoman of the Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering in the College of Engineering, is one of the co-principal investigators of Advance Institutional Transformation (IT), a project at A&T created to be a catalyst for university-wide systemic changes that increase the representation of women at all levels. Through that project, she’s seen women of all disciplines and ages support one another.

November 01, 2019

The motto of the CM Merritt Foundation is “Celebrating Excellence and Multiplying Success.” That motto was in full display on the night of November 1, 2019 as the CM Merritt Foundation hosted its 3rd Annual CM Merritt Foundation Scholarship Fundraiser. The night included great food, a festive atmosphere, and recognition of Platinum Sponsor Northrop Grumman and Silver Sponsor ULLICO, along with the Bellevue Conference Center/Event Sponsor and keynote speaker, Dr. Tashin Ann Dubroy.

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The Bellevue Conference Center in Loudoun County VA sponsored the Gala which was filled with Foundation donors and distinguished guests who came to support the Foundation’s mission – to increase the number of women and underrepresented minorities in pursuit of STEM education and careers. During the festive event, donors were briefed on the past year’s accomplishments, including the Foundations recent achievement of passing the $100,000 mark for the CM Merritt Endowed Scholarship at NCA&TSU and the additional milestone of having provided its first scholarship award for the Fall, 2019 semester.

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The Bellevue Conference Center provided the perfect backdrop for the Foundation to summarize the past years’ achievements and to present the 2020 goals and objectives. The Gala started with a social period which included a backdrop for photo opportunities.

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Bill Merritt opened with a video created by Candice which was recorded weeks prior to her passing. He shared that “Candice’s short video was one of many she had started to log as part of her plans for a YouTube blog to share her love for STEM and to encourage others to pursue their STEM dreams as well.” The video showed Candice’s down to earth nature, her intelligence and her passion for math and science and to show that young people who have a love for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math were …. “normal” and should value their difference, even if it didn’t match many of the popular stereotypes of today.

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Next on the agenda was a grand “Candice Reflection Message” by Candice’s Chemistry professor and mentor, Dr. Tanya Malloy. This was followed by a special video message and request for support from the NCA&TSU Board of Trustees Chairman and Philanthropist, Mr. Willie Diess. He was unable to attend due to a prior commitment, but spoke of the value of contributing to the Foundation and the importance of attracting more minorities to STEM education and careers.

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The highlight of the evening was the presentation by the keynote speaker Dr, Tashin Ann Dubroy, who currently holds the position of Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Howard University. Dr. Dubroy presented the challenges to increase the number of minority women to enter the STEM field and statistics which show the small percentages of women who complete STEM educations and remain working in the profession ten years post-graduation. She discussed how the passion for STEM was a great springboard for other interests that complement STEM thinking and how positive self-affirmation plays a critical role in overcoming challenges to educational and business success. Dr. Dubroy’s presentation was a great example of why the Foundation’s purpose is so critical in addressing a void that is critical as this country seeks to become a global leader in producing STEM talent.

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Within the short couple of years since its inception, the CM Merritt Foundation is proving that together, we can have a much greater impact than they could ever accomplish alone. Its call to action and demonstrated success exemplifies turning tragedy into triumph and serves as a great model for all to rally behind. To that end, the night also included a call for volunteers to join the Foundation in realizing its goals, objectives, and mission statement.

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Marcia Merritt, Candice’s mother is the CEO and visionary behind the CM Merritt Foundation which she founded in memory of the beautiful spirit in Candice Merritt. Bill Merritt, Candice’s Dad commented that “we couldn’t be more pleased with the financial support and prayers from so many, in making this Foundation representative of what Candice held in her heart and was sharing with the world, prior to her passing. Her video message that we used at the start of this evening’s event, showed that she was a

visionary, and … it’s our honor and privilege to, along with our valued donors, continue her legacy through this Foundation’s mission, goals and objectives.

July 19, 2019

Commemorate Candice’s 25th birthday with a $25 donation to the CM Merritt Foundation through Plum Funding.

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Memories will always be sweet! Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.  it takes an entire lifetime to forget.

Our life changed December 2016.

Candice our daughter,  would be turning 25 on July 21st. One of our ways of celebrating her life is through the CM Merritt Foundation. Scholarships for women and minorities in STEM.

We will be giving out our first scholarships this fall. So I’m asking our friends and family in honor of Candice please help us celebrate her life by donating to the foundation! Happy heavenly Birthday baby! We miss and love you immensely!

Please join me in supporting this great cause I'm raising money for The Cm Merritt Foundation and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support.

March 11, 2019

The Association for Women in Science (AWIS), the leading association that advocates for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), recently formed an institutional partnership with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

As an institutional partner, AWIS will collaborate with N.C. A&T’s ADVANCE Institutional Transformation (IT) project, which is designed to address the systemic underrepresentation of women within the ranks of higher education faculty.

May 31, 2019

The EDGE program is designed to nurture and challenge students from historically underrepresented populations. The program provides additional academic challenges designed to develop students' individual potential. Edge was created for students to learn how to solve problems in ways they didn't think possible and learning to be more creative in their problem solving and collaborative processes. CMMF enjoyed their weekly EDGE experience with the students and staff Forest Grove Elementary.  The students participated in several STEM based projects. It was awesome watching them use forensics to solve a mystery where they had clues and had to figure out who committed a crime. The students solved the mystery in record time! They even won first place in a robotics competition where students from multiple schools competed. The most outstanding project required the students to design a space that would house a family in the event of a meteorite. They were given a specific location and had to consider the 4 physical elements (Fire, air , water and earth). Their designs and how the students used the five elements were so impressive. 

To learn how the children feel about the program, click link below  to read the Student's experiences.

https://sites.google.com/lcps.org/fgesedgeportfolio/home

March 15, 2019

As CMMF President, I was honored to participate in the North Carolina A&T State University
Women in Science & Technology (WIST) Luncheon for high school and community partners. WIST was established in Spring, 2018 with a mission to uphold the power, dignity, and expertise of women in STEM. With over 500 young ladies in attendance, it was a privilege to be inspired through the words of Dr Tashni-Ann Dubroy, Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer at Howard University.  As keynote speaker for this event, Dr. Tashni-Ann Dubroy encouraged the young ladies to not allow fear to keep them from establishing their places in STEM fields. She used her incredible sense of wit along with her life’s experiences to illustrate the efforts and strategies that were key to her triumphs. She carries a long list of accolades to prove that her strategies were a success.

November 20, 2019

The CM Merritt Foundation enjoyed the opportunity to support the EDGE program by volunteering at Forest Grove Elementary School  September

 2018 - November 2018. We watched and assisted the students as they built their confidence and knowledge through each challenging assignment. 

The EDGE program is designed to nurture and challenge students with gifted potential from historically underrepresented populations. The program provides additional academic challenges for students designed to develop students' individual potential. 

At Forest Grove Elementary, regular and gifted resource teachers worked together to find and nurture gifted potential in young learners and prepare them for more challenging and rigorous academic pathways.

Program Goals:

• To develop high-level reasoning skills in students by providing additional academic challenges.

• To provide students with opportunities to enhance behaviors associated with high achievement such as developing independence and demonstrating respect for one's self and others. 

At Forest Grove Elementary over the past 9 weeks, there were approximately thirty 4th and 5th graders and 8 faculty members to assist with bringing out the students greatest potential. The students participated in many challenging projects such as designing their own work space using 3D Printers and Everblocks, assembling Kano Computers and creating drones among other projects. 

This was a great opportunity for the CM Merritt Foundation to serve its community by showing the excitement if science, engineering, technology and math, in a fun and informative way.

The students were really intrigued with the Harry Potter Wands and creating Tapigami. It was inspiring to watch them code to make their wands and tapigami become live on the computer screen. It was also great to see the students confidence grow over the "9-week window”. The process of challenging the students with written instructions and a cost sheet showed a key side of STEM education. Calculating the cost of each item and having each student design their tools with a budget constraint was another key part of the training. 

All of the assignments were challenging and the students never lost interest. The best part of working with the students were watching the meaning of “STEM” come alive. The science was the ability to organize, research and create what was in their imagination ,  the design and building allowed them to use today’s technology to bring it to life. The theory of logic and reasoning engaged them mathematically, all while using and developing their problem solving skills. 

Through it all the students were excited to share with their parents, their accomplishments and what they experienced during these last 9 weeks. 

We will be starting our next 9 week session for Edge Academy starting at the end of February. If you are interested in volunteering please email or contact us via email cmmerrittfoundation@gmail.com or call at 571-781-0721

November 14, 2018

On a cold morning in November, Marcia and Bill Merritt traveled to Wallops Island Virginia to watch the rocket launch of the NG 10 Northrop Grumman Antares Rocket, which carried the CYGNUS satellite on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) to deliver critical supplies and experiments to the NASA Astronouts. 

Marcia and Bill represent the CM Merritt foundation which was started in 2017 following a tragic car accident which took the life of their 22-year-old daughter Candice; she was at the time, just two electives shy of obtaining her Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering with a minor in chemistry. The Foundation’s goal is to attract more under-represented women and minorities into the pursuit of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) educations and careers by providing educational and hands-on STEM workshops in the DC Maryland and Virginia areas. The Foundation also offers scholarships to science and engineering students. 

The goal of the NG -10 Space mission is for Northrop Grumman’s CYGNUS satellite travel to the ISS to deliver approximately 7400 pounds of cargo to the American Astronauts on board the ISS. While at the NASA Wallops Island launch area, Marcia and Bill were able to visit the horizontal integration facility where the Antares rocket is mated with the CYGNUS satellite. Even though the launch was delayed for two days and Marcia and Bill were unable to see the launch live, Marcia and Bill had the opportunity to view the launch vehicle on pad 0A in a ready to launch state. 

“It was a great experience said Marcia to actually see the launch vehicle up close knowing that it would rendezvous with the international space station which is approximately 250 miles above the earth and orbiting the earth ... truly amazing”. Bill said it was the next best thing to seeing the rocket Blast off into space. Marcia, who volunteers at Forest Grove Elementary School in Sterling, VA said “I can’t wait to get back and share what I saw, with the students that I mentor towards a better understanding of what STEM is all about” it’s great when you can teach and show how math and science principles are in everything we do, especially on how experiments in space lead to improvements in our lives on earth”.

The CM Merritt Foundation works with local schools in Loudoun County and with Northrop Grumman as part of Loudoun County’s EDGE program. The goal of the partnership is to conduct workshops with local students about STEM that portray STEM as exciting and fun to increase the number of students interested in STEM careers. “There are more “Candices” out there, said Marcia, “our goal is to reach them and to encourage and help make science, technology, engineering, and math real and exciting.” The results of this student engagement won’t just be a great education and a great career, but it will also address the critical shortage of under- represented minorities in the STEM fields across the United States. The Cygnus vehicle will remain berthed to the international space station for approximately 90 days. Following this, the vehicle will conduct several maneuvers and experiments in space and then will start a destructive re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere.  Congratulations to the Northrop Grumman team for an exciting launch and successful docking to the ISS. The CM Merritt Foundation was proud to have witnessed such an exciting event and we hope to be a part of future significant accomplishments which highlight men and women in STEM careers.

July 21, 2018

Thank you to all of our supporters for being a part of our 2nd Annual CM Merritt Foundation Scholarship Fundraiser. Awesome presentation on STEM Education/Careers and efforts to address the shortage of Women and Minorities in STEM. We had great entertainment from Comedian Marcellus Duckett and DJ Chris Cobbs. Also, special thanks to our corporate and community partners along with Congratulations to BASF and ULLICO, our 2017 Platinum and Silver corporate sponsors.

July 21, 2018

The Foundations Board of Directors requests your support and cordially invite you to the CM Merritt Foundation's 2nd Annual Scholarship Fundraiser on July 21, 2018. Tickets are $60 and we are planning an evening of dinner, entertainment and a silent auction. We plan to award our first STEM Scholarship(s) by late 2018/early 2019. See the invitation. Please also share with friends and family as we celebrate a wonderful life, cut too short but Well Lived. This is a scholarship fundraiser to support and produce more "Candice's" who excel in STEM.

April 23, 2018

The Foundation received donations totaling $2,026.02 from a birthday fundraiser created by Marcia Merritt on Facebook (February 23rd).

March 11, 2018

The CM Merritt Foundation completed a successful Thunderclap Campaign which reached over 80,000 people through the social media (FB and Twitter). We appreciate all of the supporters that shared the important message of increasing minorities in STEM. 

February 17, 2018

OrbitalATK and OAPAC presented Bill Merritt with a check written to the CM Merritt Foundation with a donation of 11,200.02. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for this generous donation.

November 02, 2017

It is with great pleasure to send a heartfelt appreciation to BASF Corporation. We received a generous donation from BASF Corporation in the amount of $15,000. This donation was instrumental in starting our first Candice Marcia Merritt Endowment of $25,000.00 for Women and Minorities in STEM at North Carolina A&T State University. Thank you for allowing Candice's dream to come true.