FAIRFAX, Va./EWORLDWIRE/Sep. 16, 2009 --- The AFCEA Educational Foundation is pleased to announce a generous contribution from AMERICAN SYSTEMS that will launch two new scholarships in honor of Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., USN (Ret.) for students actively pursuing an undergraduate degree in an eligible major at accredited Historically Black College or University (HBCU) institutions in the United States.The VADM Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., USN (Ret.) Scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing an undergraduate degree at either a two-year or four-year accredited HBCU in the United States. Students may also be enrolled in an accredited distance-learning or online degree program affiliated with one of these institutions.
Each scholarship award is $5,000. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen enrolled full time as either a sophomore or junior and studying the following or related fields of engineering: computer engineering technology; computer information systems; information systems management; computer science; physics or mathematics.
Majors directly related to the support of U.S. intelligence or homeland security enterprises with relevance to the mission of AFCEA will also be eligible. In the event of very competitive applications, preference will be afforded to applications submitted by military enlisted candidates or military veterans. Applications are available at http://scholarships.afcea.org.
The Gravely Scholarships honor the late VADM Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., USN (Ret.), the AFCEA Educational Foundation's first executive director.
Admiral Gravely was the first African-American to command a fighting shipand to command a major warship. As a full commander, he was the first African-American to lead a ship into offensive action. He was the first African-American to achieve flag rank and eventually Vice Admiral.
On May 16, 2009, the Navy christened its newest guided-missile destroyer in his name. In addition to being recognized as a sailor, Sam Gravely isknown for his commitment to education. An elementary school in Haymarket,Va., is named in his honor and memory.
"Education is AFCEA's number one priority," comments Kent Schneider,President and CEO, AFCEA International. "We are pleased to honor the memory of Sam Gravely by presenting this scholarship in his name, preservingAdmiral Gravely's legacy and commitment to education."
"We are proud to be able to help launch the VADM Samuel L. Gravely, Jr.,USN (Ret.) Scholarships, said William C. Hoover, President and CEO,AMERICAN SYSTEMS. "These scholarships align well with our corporateinitiatives to support education and honor our military men and women-past,present, and future."
About the AFCEA Educational Foundation
The AFCEA Educational Foundation promotes excellence in education with scholarships, awards, grants and prizes, awarded annually to students studying the scientific and technical disciplines that support the information technology, communications, and intelligence needs of the U.S. military and national security agencies. In fiscal year 2009, the AFCEA Chapters and Educational Foundation together will award more than $1.5million dollars in scholarships and awards. For more information on thework of the AFCEA Educational Foundation, visit http://www.afcea.org/education/scholarships.
About AMERICAN SYSTEMS
Founded in 1975, AMERICAN SYSTEMS is one of the largest employee-owned companies in the United States, with approximately 1,300 employees nationwide. Based in the Washington, DC, suburb of Chantilly, Va., the company provides systems engineering, technical and managed services to government and enterprise customers. AMERICAN SYSTEMS was named to the Federal 100 list in 2009 for influencing how the government buys, uses and manages IT. For more information, please visit: www.AmericanSystems.com.
AMERICAN SYSTEMS Media Contact
Mike Dolton
(703) 968-5287
Mike.Dolton@AmericanSystems.com
AFCEA Media Contact
Rachel DeAngelo
(703) 631-6180
rdeangelo@afcea.org
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