By: Richard L. Smith
A Newark college student is among 15 students nationwide selected for the 2026 Spectrum Scholars Program, an initiative designed to help students with financial need achieve their academic and career goals through scholarships, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
Rebecca Vitorino of Newark, who attends the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is studying Management Information Systems, was chosen as a member of the program’s sixth class.
As part of the two-year program, Vitorino will receive a $20,000 scholarship distributed throughout her junior and senior years of college. In addition to financial assistance, participants are paired with a Spectrum employee mentor and gain access to networking opportunities, professional development experiences, and the possibility of a paid internship with the company.
Spectrum officials said the program was created to provide students with valuable support as they prepare to transition from college into the workforce.
Since its launch in 2020, the initiative has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to over 100 students across the country.
Vitorino said she is particularly excited about the opportunity to work closely with a professional mentor who can provide guidance and insight as she continues developing her career path.
She noted that having access to someone with extensive experience at a major corporation will help her build confidence, strengthen her professional skills, and navigate challenges often faced by students entering the workforce.
She also expressed enthusiasm about learning from her mentor’s personal career journey and making meaningful connections within the industry.
The Spectrum Scholars Program supports students pursuing a variety of academic disciplines and aims to provide hands-on experiences that help prepare participants for successful careers after graduation.