New Scholarship Encourages Entrepreneurship

The new Debra A. Vogel Student Advancement Scholarship is designed to inspire New York Tech students to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and engage with the global business community as they continue their studies by providing financial assistance and encouragement to become future international industry leaders through their innovation, ideas, and passion.

Debra A. Vogel (A.A.S. ’85) introduced the new scholarship program at a virtual event on April 15. The president and founder/owner of Las Vegas- and New York-based Paradigm Management LLC, shared her expertise and life lessons from her years of business experience to a group of New York Tech students that included students from as far away as China, the Philippines, Eastern Europe, and South America.

“Think about what inspires you…what you want out of life and how you define success,” she said. “Knowing the answers to these questions will help you to succeed.”

During a Q&A session, students had the opportunity to ask Vogel for her advice on various topics, including on how to start a business. The session was monitored by Dorentina Gashi, a student majoring in interdisciplinary studies and a senator on the School of Management Student Advisory Board, and moderated by Student Advisory Board President Melanie Jelen, a graduate student in the M.B.A. program, and Student Advisory Board Vice President Onuralp Demirer, an undergraduate majoring in business administration.

“Number one, know the business you are about to set forth into,” Vogel advised, adding that before heading into any new venture, students need to do their research. “Know the market, your competition. Learn as much as you can with a lot of thought and time.”

The scholarships, which range from $250 to $1,500, are open to all full- and part-time New York Tech undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of their major. They will be awarded bi-annually, for the fall and spring semesters, with up to a maximum of 10 scholarships granted each year. The deadline for this inaugural round of scholarships is July 15. A second competition will be held later this fall.

Students may apply in one or more of the following three categories:

• Debra A. Vogel Entrepreneurial Business Venture Idea Scholarship
• Debra A. Vogel Assistance in Start-Up Business Scholarship
• Debra A. Vogel Turnaround Management Scholarship

Learn more about the scholarship program and apply.