Stanislaus State student one of just 6 across nation to earn STEM scholarship

When Esteban Verdin, an incoming third-year at Stanislaus State, took his first computer science class at the university, he saw that what started as a passion for video games and technology could open doors for his future.

“When I first entered computer science, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” Verdin said. “After I took my first computer science class, it really opened up my eyes to how many different opportunities there are in the field.”

Verdin’s passion for computer science — which now is his major — and community led to him being selected as one of six recipients across the country for the Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Institution Educators 2025 Seed to Tree Scholarship. He first learned about the scholarship from Iqbal Atwal, director of Stan State’s Accelerated STEM Pathways through Internships, Research and Engagement program.

Verdin attended the 17th annual Hispanic-Serving Institutions Best Practices Conference in Chicago in March, where the scholarship covered conference registration, travel and lodging.

Attending the conference in Chicago was Verdin’s first experience traveling out of state and on an airplane, having lived in Riverbank his whole life. The conference invites students and educators from current and emerging HSIs to share ideas, network and develop policies to increase student retention and success.

As Verdin attended conference sessions, he sought ways to apply what he was learning to community and university programs in which he’s involved. At Stan State, Verdin is a peer mentor with STEM Peer Assisted Learning for Students, which provides freshmen with one-on-one mentorship, tutoring and problem-solving skills to ensure students graduate on time and make the most of opportunities in the field.

Verdin said he is grateful for the ways the conference bridged identity and STEM education by highlighting ways HSIs and Hispanic student-led clubs can provide educational and career resources. Verdin said he hopes his work as a peer mentor can plant a seed and leave a legacy for students to come, all while representing his community.

“No one really thinks about who planted the tree, but they know about the shade that they had,” Verdin said, reflecting on a quote about leaving a legacy. “Because at the end of the day, it’s not what you do. It’s kind of what you represent while doing it.”

The conference gave Verdin the opportunity to network and talk to students and educators from across the nation. He hopes to see more of the world, whether through future conferences or educational opportunities.

“Chicago is beautiful,” Verdin said. “The world’s such a beautiful place. I think everyone should take the opportunity, if they have it, to explore and go to different places. And I would definitely go back to Chicago and other places as well.”

This summer, Verdin is interning at Turlock Irrigation District and studying to get a Cisco Certified Network Associate certificate as he plans to pursue a career in information technology.

“I have a lot of doors open for my future,” Verdin said. “I’m trying to make sure that I can get as many open as I can, and try and get in there before they close.”

This story was originally published July 16, 2025 at 9:45 AM.