By: Richard L. Smith
Charter Communications, Inc., the company behind Spectrum's connectivity and entertainment services, has awarded a $20,000 Spectrum Scholars scholarship to Sarpreet Singh, a Sayreville native attending Rutgers University.
Singh, who is majoring in Finance and Computer Science, is one of 15 students selected nationwide to receive the prestigious award for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The Spectrum Scholars program offers more than just financial support.
It provides recipients with access to a dedicated Spectrum mentor, career readiness education, networking events, and even the possibility of a paid internship with the company.
Now in its fourth year, Spectrum Scholars is designed to equip rising college juniors with the skills, opportunities, and connections necessary to excel in the corporate world.
Reflecting on the significance of the program, Singh shared, "Being a Spectrum Scholar means having the opportunity to be part of a program that recognizes and supports my academic achievements and professional aspirations. It provides a platform for growth, mentorship, and networking, allowing me to connect with industry leaders and fellow scholars who share my passion for finance and technology."
Spectrum Scholars was highly competitive this year, with over 930 applications submitted from across the country.
The 15 students selected represent eight states and a wide range of academic disciplines. Charter Communications has committed $300,000 to the program this year, bringing their total investment to $1 million in scholarships since 2020.
Paul Marchand, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Charter, emphasized the program's impact:
“Spectrum Scholars creates a supportive and educational environment that arms students with the experiences and skills to prepare them for the corporate world while actively guiding them towards their desired career goals. The program builds a better talent pipeline and nurtures next generation leaders.”
Singh believes that the mentorship component of the program will be instrumental in helping him achieve his career goals.
"The Spectrum Scholars program will help me by providing access to valuable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The guidance from experienced Spectrum professionals will be critical in shaping my career path."
This mentorship is something Singh is particularly excited about.
"Having a Spectrum professional as a mentor offers the chance to learn from someone with industry experience and insights. Their mentorship will provide me with a better understanding of the practical applications of finance and technology, helping me bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world practices."
The Spectrum Scholars program has already led to full-time employment opportunities for past recipients. Byron Coulter, a previous Spectrum Scholar, recently started a position as an Associate Development Operations Engineer with Spectrum after graduating from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
He credits the program with shaping his career path:
"Initially, I was interested in cybersecurity, but the broad experiences offered by the program redirected me towards data center infrastructure and ultimately, a full-time job offer with the company before I had graduated."
Singh is optimistic about his future and sees himself making significant strides in both finance and technology. “In five years, I see myself as a successful professional in these fields, working in a role that allows me to leverage my skills while contributing meaningfully to the industry.”
Outside of his academic and career pursuits, Singh enjoys cooking, weightlifting, and coding personal projects—interests that reflect both his analytical and creative sides.
As Singh advances on his journey as a Spectrum Scholar, the program will continue to support him and other young professionals in their pursuit of academic and career success.