In our hearts, Riya continues to shine brightly as the cherished sunflower of our family, her essence forever intertwined with memories of her compassion, kindness, and passion for STEM. It is with deep love and reverence that we embark on this journey to honor her memory, creating this internship program as a heartfelt tribute to Riya’s lasting impact. Driven by her love for STEM, we pledge to uphold her legacy by nurturing a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. With every opportunity extended and every barrier broken, we honor Riya’s spirit of generosity and commitment to uplifting others.Â
Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) was created and established by Om and Saraswati in 1977. A company whose foundation was, from the very beginning, not only built on family-centered values, but has maintained an enduring diverse culture, which allows SSAI to attract and retain highly qualified candidates who are experts in the fields of science, engineering, information technology, and research. In 2012, Om and Saraswati founded the Bahethi Family Foundation (BFF) to empower people in science and technology. The foundations’ purpose is continuing to give back to communities to create and enable opportunities for others as it was created and provided for Om and Saraswati Bahethi.
In an exemplary union of purpose and passion, SSAI and BFF are partnering to provide equitable opportunities to the STEM community. This collaboration isn’t just about funding scholarships, it’s a launchpad for dreams. SSAI, in partnership with HBCU and MSI colleges and universities, has crafted a specialized program that’s a beacon of hope and opportunity. This immersive experience is designed for ambitious students eager to expand their horizons. Selected candidates will embark on a transformative journey, enhancing their knowledge and skill sets through real-world training with leading experts from prestigious organizations like NASA, NOAA, USDA, USAID, EPA, and NIH. This is not just education, it’s a fusion of academic pursuits and practical hands-on experience, tightly aligned with the students’ degree goals and personal interests.
Complementing this is the BFF Riya Bhakkad Memorial Scholarship Program, a beacon of inclusivity and diversity in professional development. This initiative is a commitment to shattering barriers and implicit unconscious bias in recruitment, focused on empowering underrepresented groups. It’s a step towards creating a diverse workforce enriched with highly qualified candidates from various backgrounds. This program does not only aim to increase visibility for leaders in diversity, but it also aims to enhance engagement and attracting top talent from underrepresented and disabled communities. Together, SSAI and BFF are not only shaping futures, but they are also crafting a more inclusive and diverse professional world.