Glastonbury Student Receives Amazon Scholarship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
 
Glastonbury Student Receives up to $40,000 Scholarship from Amazon to Pursue Degree in Computer Science 
 
Find visuals, including a headshot of Jesse and photos from his surprise, at this link. 
 
Glastonbury, Conn. — Amazon has named Jesse Wang, a recent graduate of Glastonbury High School, as an Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship recipient for 2026. Wang will receive up to $40,000 over four years to pursue a degree in computer science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He’s one of seven Connecticut students — and among just 200 nationwide — to receive this honor. The award includes an opportunity to pursue a paid internship at Amazon after the first year of college to gain hands-on, practical work experience with mentorship from Amazon leaders.  
 
"Honestly, receiving this scholarship has meant the world to me, in ways far beyond what any words can express. For me, this is a life-changing opportunity to explore endless possibilities in college, work, and life, growing me into the best version of myself." – Jesse Wang, AFE 2026 Scholarship Recipient 
 
Recipients were selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, participation in school and community activities, work experience, future goals, and financial need. Amazon partnered with Scholarship America to review applications and select this year's scholars.  
 
Voices of Support  
 
"I have seen Jesse mature from a freshman in my beginner programming class to a senior in my advanced programming class, and what has not changed is Jesse's desire to take on tasks that are far beyond what's required just for the love of exploration and knowledge. He is ceaselessly curious and fearlessly tackles daunting challenges. People like him are the ones who push the boundaries on what's possible, and I'm glad this scholarship will aid him on his journey." - Roman Mouradov, Math Teacher, Glastonbury High School 
 
“On behalf of Amazon's more than 15,000 employees across Connecticut, congratulations to these seven outstanding students. The Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship is about more than financial support — it's a vote of confidence in the next generation of innovators. These students have already demonstrated the drive and talent to succeed, and we're proud to help them take the next step in their computer science journeys.” — Jerome Smith, Head of Community Engagement for Amazon in New England & Canada 
 
“Connecticut's economy depends on a steady pipeline of skilled technology professionals, and programs like Amazon Future Engineer are helping to build that pipeline from the ground up. These seven students represent exactly the kind of talent our state's employers need — driven, creative, and ready to tackle real-world challenges. We applaud Amazon's continued investment in Connecticut's future workforce.” — Chris DiPentima, President & CEO, CBIA 
 
Why It Matters  
 
Engineering is among the fastest-growing professions within the STEM fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the market for engineering occupations will grow up to 11% between 2024 and 2034, yet only 24.3% of STEM graduates earn an engineering degree, and only a small percentage of those come from underserved communities.      
 
Amazon Future Engineer aims to increase student access to computer science and engineering education by funding high-quality curriculum and educator professional development, in turn helping school districts build sustainable K–12 initiatives. In addition to its scholarship program, Amazon Future Engineer offers virtual class chats, Career Tours, and project-based learning modules that bring role models into classrooms.     
 
Amazon launched the scholarship program in 2019, awarding more than $70 million to over 1,700 students from historically underserved communities across the U.S. This year, Amazon committed up to $8 million in college tuition. 
 
Amazon in Connecticut  

• Since 2010, Amazon has invested $12 billion+ in Connecticut, contributing $10 billion+ to the state's GDP and supporting 15,000+ full- and part-time jobs Amazon supports 10,000+ indirect jobs in Connecticut in industries such as construction, logistics, and professional services.  

• In 2025, Amazon donated $200K+ to 8 local community organizations and delivered 900K+ meals on behalf of food banks and nonprofits.  

• Over 2,100 Connecticut employees have participated in Career Choice since 2019, with Amazon partnering with 3 educational institutions statewide. Career Choice connects employees to tomorrow's opportunities through prepaid education and skills training.  

• Independent sellers in Connecticut average $275,000+ in annual sales, with 42 million+ items sold through Amazon's store.  

 
All investment and economic impact figures have been estimated by Keystone Strategy, a third-party consultancy.  
 
Fast Facts  

• 7: Number of recent Connecticut high school graduates receiving AFE Scholarships in 2026  

• 200: Total AFE Scholarship recipients nationwide in 2026  

• $8 million: Amazon's commitment to paid college tuition through AFE this year  

• $70 million+: Total AFE scholarship investment since 2019  

• Up to 11%: Projected growth rate for engineering occupations through 2034     

 
About Amazon  
 
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth's Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth's Best Employer, and Earth's Safest Place to Work. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.