OARacle Newsletter

OAR is excited to announce the most recent recipients of the Spring 2025 Synchrony Tech Scholarship. This scholarship supports autistic adults pursuing technology-related courses or training to advance their careers. Congratulations to Sienne Rodwell, Joshua Keller, Vance Belleci, and Mark Alexandrov!

Scholarship award amounts depend on the technology-related course or program, but can range from $500 to $5,000. A total of $18,288.29 was awarded this spring, and these funds will help cover qualifying courses in the recipients’ chosen programs.

In addition to receiving scholarship funds, the recipients have the opportunity to work with a mentor from Synchrony. This mentorship provides professional guidance and encouragement throughout the mentee’s certification program from someone with practical experience in a tech career. 

Sienne Rodwell 

Master of Science, Software Engineering and Development and Operations Engineering 

Western Governors University 

 “Receiving the Synchrony Tech Scholarship through the Organization for Autism Research was instrumental in my pursuit and completion of a Master of Science in Software Engineering and Development Operations Engineering. This generous support not only enabled me to advance my technical education but also empowered me to elevate the quality and impact of my work as a software engineer in direct support of the Warfighter. The scholarship has significantly enhanced my professional development, broadened my qualifications for mission-critical roles, and strengthened my ability to contribute meaningfully within both my current organization and the broader defense technology community. It has also reinforced my confidence as a professional in a highly technical field, affirming that diverse perspectives are not only valuable, but essential to innovation and excellence in national security and beyond.”

Joshua Keller 

Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity Management 

West Virginia University 

“It means a lot to me to have this scholarship to support my pursuits of higher education and my goals. It also makes me very happy to see this scholarship serve as consistent support for education and professional development by neurodivergent individuals. It’s an honor to be selected as a recipient. This scholarship is not only enabling me to continue my pursuit of higher education in the form of a degree, but also alleviates financial stress and allows me to have more free time and energy to pursue other professional development, such as studying for industry certifications. This scholarship will be greatly beneficial as an individual in an industry where learning and development outside of the classroom is key.” 

Vance Belleci 

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science 

Landmark College 

“I’m truly grateful for this scholarship and the financial support it provides during my junior year at Landmark College. It enables me to stay focused on a full course load, continue pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, and work toward securing a career in my field after graduation. With the academic progress I’ve made, including my acceptance into the Honor Society, I’m excited for the opportunity to transform my passion for computer science and gaming into a meaningful future for myself—one that blends my technical skills and creativity. Beyond academics, this scholarship signifies a belief in my potential—and that means the world to me. It eases financial pressures and gives me the freedom to concentrate on my studies, sharpen my skills and game design, and immerse myself in the college experience by building lasting relationships, memories, and contributions.”  

Mark Alexandrov 

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science  

Fairleigh Dickinson University 

“Receiving the Synchrony Tech Scholarship would allow me to focus on developing my technology skills without the burden of financial stress. It would support my dream of building a career in cybersecurity and game development while motivating me to use my skills to help others and create innovative solutions. This scholarship will give me the chance to take more courses and gain hands-on experience in technology. It will help me build the knowledge and skills I need to succeed in cybersecurity and game development. These opportunities will prepare me for a strong start in my career and help me achieve my long-term goals in the tech industry.”   

 Kristen Essex, OAR’s executive director, offered her congratulations to the recipients, noting, “On behalf of OAR and Synchrony, I am excited to have Sienne, Joshua, Vance, and Mark as the most recent recipients of the Synchrony Tech Scholarship. They have chosen phenomenal programs to help make them more competitive in the job market. I look forward to seeing how well they do and what they achieve in the future.” 

Are you interested in advancing your career in the tech field? The Synchrony Tech Scholarship is now accepting applications through October 31, 2025.