Kevin Chik

Biography

I grew up on the Lower East Side of New York City and am now a senior quality assurance engineer at Showtime Networks, a Paramount company. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Information Management, with a concentration in project and database management, from Syracuse University's iSchool. I attended Eastside Community High School in the heart of the Lower East Side, where my community has taught countless invaluable lessons. The most important being that we’re truly all in this together.

Chief Technology Officer

Why Did You Create S&D?

My family has always taught me the importance of using my success to lift others up. I have taken this lesson to heart and constantly strive to empower those around me. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to pursue post-secondary education without financial support and guidance, so I founded Scholar & A Dream to provide resources for kids from similar backgrounds. With the help of my friends who’ve been through similar experiences, I can truly support the students we are trying to help. Empowering others has always been a dream of mine, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these students.

Why Is Scholarship Important?

Scholarships are crucial for students from my community. Post-secondary education is expensive and requires guidance, which can be difficult for students from disadvantaged communities to afford and access. That's why our organization, entirely founded by minorities, is so important. We not only provide financial support, but also offer a relatable mentor to guide students through the post-secondary education process. By investing in the education of students from underrepresented communities, we can help improve society year after year.

What Do You Envision for S&D?

I envision Scholar & A Dream being an important pillar in our communities. I see our students becoming important members of our communities by donating their time to help others, as we've done for them. I see Scholar & A Dream becoming an organization that not only helps students financially, but also provides mentorship for students to get through their post-secondary education. I also envision that Scholar & A Dream will provide programming to bridge the education gap by introducing students to seasoned professionals and networks in career fields that were previously thought to be unattainable. Ultimately, we hope to expand beyond New York City and support students across the country.