Empowering the next generation of technology professionals is crucial for fostering innovation and strengthening the industry. That’s why the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA) has once again teamed with The ChannelPro Network for the 2026 Cecilia Galvin Scholarship Award competition.
Presented annually by GTIA (formerly CompTIA Community) and The ChannelPro Network, the program honors the legacy of Cecilia Galvin, a beloved member of the ChannelPro team and former executive editor. Galvin’s passion for fostering young talented young women in STEM inspired this program. To this day, it inspires future tech leaders by providing resources and recognition to help them thrive.
“I remember working with Cecilia — she was terrific,” said Suzanne Mattaboni, president of Suzanne Mattaboni Communications and an award-winning PR professional in the IT services sector. “This is a particularly great thing for GTIA and ChannelPro to do in her honor.”
Recognizing Outstanding Achievements
Paige Erickson
Paige Erickson from Sartell, MN, was the 2025 GTIA ChannelPro Cecilia Galvin Scholarship winner. The two-time Dean’s List Award Winner at her high school planned to study mechanical engineering at North Dakota State University. Even before graduating from high school, her list of accomplishments included:
- 10 years of robotics, serving as team captain and build lead for FIRST Robotics Competition Team 645
- Member of the MN Advocacy Board, which helps shape the future of competitive robotics in the region
- Running enrichment events to inspire younger students to explore robotics
- Instructor for COR Robotics camps, teaching STEM concepts to students in grades 3 to 8
Along with her own technology-focused goals, she also focuses on nurturing future leaders to make a positive impact in the technology field.
Kavya Venkatesan
Learning from Past Winners
The scholarship’s impact is demonstrated through the success of other past recipients.
Take Kavya Venkatesan, the 2024 scholarship winner. She exemplified the spirit of innovation and leadership that the award celebrates. Her mission to empower youth of all backgrounds to become fluent in the “bits and bytes” language reflects the broader goal of the Cecilia Galvin Scholarship.
Additionally, the first-ever Cecilia Galvin Scholarship winner, Sarah Johnson, shared how the award positively influenced their academic and professional journey. This underscores the importance of mentorship, support, and encouragement for students exploring technology careers.
Sarah Johnson
Why the Scholarship Matters
The technology sector thrives when diverse voices have the opportunity to contribute their ideas and talents. By providing financial assistance and industry recognition, the Cecilia Galvin Scholarship creates new opportunities for students to excel in IT, cybersecurity, engineering, and other tech-related disciplines.
“This scholarship is especially meaningful to us because it reflects Cecilia’s unwavering commitment to empowering future technology leaders,” said ChannelPro Founder and Publisher Michael Siggins. “By supporting students who are passionate about tech, we’re not only honoring her legacy but also helping to shape the future of the industry.”
Who Can Apply?
The Cecilia Galvin Scholarship program is open to high school seniors in the U.S. with a 2.0 GPA or higher. Applicants must demonstrate leadership in their school and community, as well as have shown an early interest in technology.
The scholarship can be applied toward a two- or four-year college program, trade school, or professional certification and training program in the technology space.
How to Apply
The deadline for this year’s scholarship application is April 17. If you know a deserving candidate — a student who has shown leadership and an early passion for technology — direct them to the scholarship application. By spreading the word, you can help connect future tech leaders with the support they need to succeed.
Encouraging diversity in technology isn’t just about fairness. It’s about unlocking the full potential of the industry. The Cecilia Galvin Scholarship Award is a powerful way to invest in that future.
Images: Hasniah — stock.adobe.com, GTIA, Kavya Venkatesan
