Cary, NC - Triad Math and Science Academy’s Class of 2021 Valedictorian Nadia Muhammad will be donning the Tech gold and white gear of Georgia Institute of Technology this fall.
“I was especially excited to see that I was accepted into Georgia Tech,” said 18-year-old Nadia, jubilant that she will be enrolling into one of her top choices. She had no shortage of options, though, because Nadia has been admitted into 21 universities.
“Nadia is an exceptional student and one of Triad’s true success stories,” said TMSA Greensboro Secondary School Principal Dr. Paul Bryant. “We have been immensely impressed with her success to date and wish her all the best in her future endeavors."
Georgia Tech has selected Nadia as a Provost Scholar and awarded her an $85,000 scholarship. Additionally, she has recently won a $50,000 scholarship from the Gordon A. Rich Memorial Scholarship Fund, and has been waiting to hear back from many others in the upcoming weeks. She hopes to be on a full scholarship during her undergraduate stay at Georgia Tech.
Looking forward to majoring in Computer Science at the university, Nadia is determined to create her own software in the future. “I also want to start a foundation that teaches young minority girls how to code,” she said. “As a Black, Muslim girl, I believe that girls, especially minority girls, should have the opportunity to learn to program because we are overlooked and underrepresented in tech.”
“Nadia is a perfect example of a student who benefits from the type of learning environment that TMSA provides,” said TMSA Public Charter Schools Superintendent Ben Karaduman. “I am proud of her.”
“TMSA has given me the college exposure that I needed to get my foot in the door,” said Nadia. She participated in TMSA’s dual enrollment program with North Carolina A&T State University, and has also attended Harvard Summer School. She will graduate from Triad with 45 college credits, all at no cost to her family.
Throughout her time at TMSA, Nadia founded and presided over Audio Visual Club, coordinated and hosted Black History Month Program, Women’s Empowerment Day, and Hispanic Heritage Month Program. To top off this list of remarkable accomplishments, Nadia has also served as class president for these last two years.
Nadia was willing to share some advice with TMSA students who want to follow in her footsteps. “If you see an opportunity offered at school that fits your interests, do not hesitate,” she advised. “Talent can be hidden behind insecurity and doubt, so always believe that you have the potential to be greater. Also, NEVER compare yourself to others. What is for you is yours, so always be sure to shine your own light.”