UNM undergraduates have been accepted into the Apple Scholars Program: UNM Newsroom

Eric Olaguir, an El Puente Research Fellow and the University of New Mexico undergrad has been accepted into the highly competitive Apple Scholars Program.

“I want to introduce technology development here in New Mexico and Albuquerque,” ​​Ollagher said. "I just want to bring in more resources and opportunities and also be a role model for other architects of color, men and women, and raise New Mexico."

Apple Inc. has entered into Partnership with the Spanish Association of Colleges and Universities to produce the Apple Scholars Program that is part of the 2021-22 HACU Scholarship Program. Eight students were selected from HACU's member institutions after sharing their views on the technology industry and demonstrating how they would like to contribute to the future of technology.

“I am really proud of him. I had the chance to literally see him grow up since he was in middle school.” said Alejandro Mendez Rivera, Olaguir Instructor and Director of the El Puente Research Fellowship. “Having this national award is really heartening. I know pursuing higher education is not easy, but he is very dedicated and smart, so I am not surprised. I am very happy.”

Olaguir is currently a junior student at UNM and is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. As a first-generation college student, Olaguir encountered many obstacles in his journey. Olaguir uses UNM programs such as El Centro de la Raza and the Men of Color initiative to help him navigate college hurdles.

"I just want to thank Alejandro of El Centro and his team," said Olager. “I would like to thank them for introducing me concepts and stuff from graduate school and opening my eyes to many other opportunities. I just want to say thank you to all of them, I am so grateful.”

As an Apple researcher, Olaguir will receive a $15,000 scholarship, a one-year Apple mentor, and participate in an exclusive one-week immersion event with Apple.

The El Puente Research Fellowship is part of El Centro de la Raza. The fellowship is open to first-generation, low-income students or members of an ethnic group underrepresented in higher education. El Puente Fellows must complete a research project in their area of ​​interest. They are provided with mandatory seminars and a support teaching team to assist them in their studies.

“My research is on drone swarms and how to effectively use technologies like artificial intelligence and other technologies that will help create and develop an effective defense system,” Ollagier said.

In the future, Olaguir hopes to continue his education and obtain a master's degree.

“I want to see where the Apple Scholars program will take me,” Ollagier said. “I am open to anything, just to gain any kind of experience.”

Olaguir is another successful fellow at El Puente. Most recently, UNM senior, first-generation student, and El Puente fellow, Raven Otero-Symphony, became the first New Mexican to receive the Brooke Owens Space Fellowship. The fellowship for gender minorities provides opportunities in the space field.

UNM is a first generation forward organisation. The university offers many resources for first-generation students. For more information users can go here.