Freshman Kyle Dash Awarded First-Generation Scholarship

2016 Oct 14

Castleton freshman and environmental science major Kyle Dash, was recently recognized for his dedication to pursuing a college degree as he was awarded a $5,000 First-Generation scholarship from VT EPSCoR for the 2016-17 academic year.

VT EPSCoR offers Native American and First-Generation college scholarships for students studying in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Out of the eight winners, Dash was the only Castleton student and marks the University's first student to receive the VT EPSCoR scholarship.

"Kyle's personal statement was very compelling," said Assistant Vermont State EPSCoR Director Lillian Gamache, "He was not only a strong applicant for this scholarship, but a participant in the 2015-2016 VT EPSCoR high school program."

Outside of his academics, Dash is on the Castleton cross-country team and is involved with various other clubs on campus. With a love for the outdoors, he hopes to pursuit a career that involves helping the environment after graduation.

"My parents were thrilled about the scholarship because it would help them put me through college," said Dash. "I chose to come to Castleton because I wanted to stay local and it would help me adjust to my new surroundings since I grew up in Vermont."