EASTERN Computer Network Administration Student Receives Congress-Bundestag Scholarship

Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) Computer Network Administration/Springfield High School senior, Juan Paolo Figueras (Paolo), was chosen as one of only 25 students selected throughout the nation to participate in the Congress-Bundestag program. The Congress-Bundestag Vocational Scholarship provides an opportunity for U.S. high school graduates who have undertaken vocational training to spend their 13th year abroad pursuing their vocational interests. This scholarship is provided through NACEL Open Door, Inc.  Nacel Open Door, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to international understanding and language education.

Paolo submitted a lengthy application for the Congress-Bundestag scholarship back in January 2014, which included several essays, transcripts from Springfield High School and his career and technical program at EASTERN, passport photo, and several recommendation letters.  Once he was selected as a semi-finalist, he interviewed with the NACEL Open Door panel in March.  In April, Paolo received the phone call he had been waiting for, and was told he was accepted into this prestigious program.

Soon, Paolo will be given information on his host family and where he will be going to school and/or interning.  Paolo is hoping to be placed in an internship in the computer industry while in Germany, but he is excited about this unique opportunity no matter where he is placed.

In light of this once-in-a-life-time opportunity, Paolo has decided to defer his acceptance to Penn State for one year.  Upon his return, he will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in IT Security at Penn State.  Ultimately, he hopes to work for a large corporation such as Google, Apple or Microsoft.

“EASTERN has been a big part of my life.  Being here has helped me to grow as an individual, taught me how to be professional, and how to be a successful student.  I have learned to push myself to what I thought was my limit, and step out of my comfort zone,” said Paolo.  “EASTERN has prepared me for my future, and this program is a great opportunity for me to expand my horizons.”

EASTERN’s Computer Network Administration program students must pass the Certified Linux Administrator (CLA) exam in the first year of the program and are prepared for two other industry certification exams: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) and Certified Novell Administrator (NCA). 

EASTERN is a public school serving students in nine Eastern Montgomery County school districts. Those districts include Abington, Bryn Athyn, Cheltenham, Hatboro-Horsham, Jenkintown, Lower Moreland, Springfield, Upper Dublin and Upper Moreland. Students benefit from specialized career programs that give them a competitive edge in college or in a career.  The campus is at 3075 Terwood Road in Willow Grove. For more information, please contact Amy Shields, Organizational Advancement Director, at 215-784-4806, or visit the school’s website at www.eastech.org.  Like Us?  Become a fan on Facebook – www.Facebook.com/EasternCenter, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @EasternCenter.

Photo: Juan Paolo Figueras