In a historic moment for Kern County, two siblings from Wasco were awarded the first artificial intelligence scholarships in the region during the Youth 2 Leaders Scholarship ceremony held Tuesday evening. Juan Villacorta and his sister Daniella Villacorta each received a $1,500 scholarship from the Payne Pathway Foundation, which is renewable for additional years.
The Villacortas are first-generation college students, a key requirement for the scholarship. Another requirement is that recipients must be pursuing a career in the AI field.
Daniella, who began her journey in Wasco High's Migrant Education Program, developed a passion for computer science after discovering coding. "I fell in love with coding.
I really enjoy creating code and programs for computers and am looking forward to working towards that goal," she said. Through Wasco High's Dual Enrollment Program with Bakersfield College, she will enter Cal State Bakersfield in the fall as a junior.
Juan, now a senior at Cal State Bakersfield, recalled that school was initially very challenging for him. "I never would have dreamed that I would be majoring in computer science and looking at a great paying job when I finish school.
I began with the Migrant Education Program at WHS and was helped a lot in improving my studies and my performance in class," he said.
The Payne Pathway Foundation, headed by Skylar Payne, aims to support students in need who are heading toward a career in AI. Payne, who has worked in the AI field for various organizations, said he decided to return home.
"I knew that there was plenty of talent here. They just need a little help along the way, and we are proud to be a part of their journey," he said.
The ceremony, held at an undisclosed location in Bakersfield, included a dinner, entertainment, and presentations of over $30,000 to students from throughout Kern County. Stacy Pfluger congratulated the recipients Tuesday night.
The event also recognized other students, including Skylar Payne, Marta Ventura, and Wendy Barraza, among others.
[image_1] Juan Villacorta, Daniella Villacorta, and other recipients pose with Stacy Pfluger. [image_2] Skylar Payne speaks at the ceremony. [image_3] The Villacorta siblings receive their scholarships.