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The Better Futures Institute's Civic Tech Scholars program is designed to provide future leaders in STEAM with hands-on experience through social impact projects and connect them with a strong network of mentors.
Participants in the summer internship program have the unique opportunity to work on projects such as the 311SA App, South Texas Triangle research, and the Better Futures Series. This allows them to apply their knowledge in real-world situations, developing skills to solve complex urban issues while exploring innovative solutions for the future.
Chloe Bruno
Texas A&M University; San Antonio, TX — B.S. Cybersecurity, 2025
“I work in IT for a school district and intern as a Sound/IT Technician at a local church. I also volunteer and participate in various programs throughout San Antonio. Coming from a foster/adopted background, I am passionate about advocating for students and young adults like myself. I am excited to join BFI to apply my cybersecurity knowledge and skills to support our mission and goals.”
Anthony Ramirez
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; Edinburg, TX — B.S. Computer Science, 2024
“I am a senior at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, studying Computer Science. Outside of school, I enjoy working out and have been boxing for the past year. I also love playing video games whenever I find the time. I am excited to join BFI as it offers an amazing opportunity to grow my skills in data science and technology while contributing to meaningful work focused on South Texas.”
Maryam Paykar
University of Texas at Austin; Austin, TX — B.S. Biochemistry, 2027
“I am a rising sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Biochemistry, as a Deans Honors Scholar. Outside of academics, I enjoy running and have participated in marathons for various causes, such as St. Jude’s and leukemia and lymphoma races. I am passionate about continuously learning and broadening my skills beyond my science background.”
Choudhry Abdullah
Trinity University; San Antonio, TX — B.S. Computer Science, 2025
“I am a rising junior at Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science with a minor in Art and Art History. Outside of school, I enjoy working out and playing sports, and I have recently embraced the pickleball hype. I am excited about BFI because I love working with technology, especially in ways that positively impact the community.”
Richard Powell
University of Texas at San Antonio; San Antonio, TX — B.S. Computer Science, 2025
“I’m a rising senior at the University of Texas at San Antonio, studying Computer Science with a minor in Linguistics. I’m excited to work with BFI because it will allow me to apply everything I’ve learned to real-world applications.
Jordan Dever
University of Texas at San Antonio; San Antonio, TX — M.S. Data Science, 2024
University of Texas at Austin; Austin, TX — B.A. Psychology, 2021
“I’m currently pursuing an MSDA degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio, having earned my bachelor's in Psychology from UT Austin. In addition to my studies, I also do data annotation work on the side. I’m enthusiastic about working with BFI because this opportunity will greatly benefit my future pursuits in data science. Outside of school, I enjoy playing video games and staying active through workouts.”
Shelby Ivy
University of Texas at San Antonio; San Antonio, TX — M.S. Geoinformatics, 2024
University of Texas at San Antonio; San Antonio, TX — M.P.A. Public Administration, 2022
University of Houston; Houston, TX — B.S. Psychology, 2016
“I am completing my MSc in Geoinformatics at the University of Texas at San Antonio this fall 2024. Additionally, I hold a Master of Public Administration degree from UTSA. I’m enthusiastic about joining BFI because the organization aligns with my interests and background, combining civil service with data science and technology. I look forward to contributing to an organization with such a significant mission, particularly in its focus on South Texas.”
Gagana Uday Kumar
University of Texas at San Antonio; San Antonio, TX — M.S. Data Science, 2024
Visvesvaraya Technological University; Mysore, IN — Engineering in Information Science, 2014
“I'm currently pursuing my Master's in Data Analytics at the University of Texas at San Antonio. I have a background in Information Science Engineering and professional experience in data visualization and operations. I'm thrilled to join BFI because it offers a fantastic opportunity to apply my skills to real-world problems and make a tangible impact. In my free time, I enjoy indulging in art and craft projects.”
Ellerbe Mendez
Swarthmore College; Swarthmore, PA — B.S. Computer Science, 2025
“I currently attend Swarthmore College near Philadelphia, where I study computer science and political science. At Swarthmore, I engage in Civil War history research and play on the varsity lacrosse team. I'm passionate about movies and music and could discuss them for hours. I'm thrilled to join BFI, as it offers the opportunity to apply my computer science skills in real-world scenarios beyond college. Additionally, I’m excited to explore San Antonio and meet everyone!
Carlos Navarro
Texas A&M University; San Antonio, TX — B.S. Computer Science, 2024
“I was born and raised in San Antonio and recently graduated with a Bachelor's in Computer Science from Texas A&M University-San Antonio. My background is in web design and data analytics. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, hanging out with friends, and exploring fun activities around town. I'm excited to join Better Futures Institute because I believe the San Antonio community is special, and I'm eager to contribute to making it even better.”
Dr. Alberto Gomez is a San Antonio-based entrepreneur. He is the Co-founder, President and CEO of Better Futures Institute, and Co-founder of Irys Technologies, a data analytics and cybersecurity firm. He holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Creative Industries.
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