WKU News

Om Patel, Gatton Academy and Breckinridge County High School Class of 2024 graduate, has received the nationally competitive Gates Scholarship. Those selected receive funding for the full cost of tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation for their undergraduate education not covered by additional financial aid. Patel is one of only 750 students selected out of over 53,000 applicants. Patel will continue his education at Massachusetts Institute of Technology majoring in Computer Science and Finance.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation launched the Gates Scholarship in 2017 to eliminate financial barriers to higher education for students who come from low-income and minority backgrounds. This last-dollar scholarship is designed to enable students to focus on their coursework, graduate from college, and serve as leaders in their respective fields and communities. In addition to funding, Gates Scholars are a part of a network that will provide further support and resources through mentorship, leadership development, career guidance, internship opportunities, and more.

Patel stated, “I am truly honored to be selected as a Gates Scholar. This award represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me along the way. I would like to extend my thanks to all my mentors, teachers, and advisors. To those who took the time to write letters of recommendation and offer words of encouragement, your belief in me made this achievement possible. I am excited about the next steps in my journey, and I am committed to making the most of this incredible opportunity.”

While at The Gatton Academy, Patel conducted research with Western Kentucky University’s Big Data Lab and XR Lab. He was a member of WKU’s Association for Computing Machinery, Gatton Academy Leaders in Education, Computer Science Club, and Gatton Academy Fitness Club. Patel was also named a QuestBridge Finalist and National Merit Finalist.

“At Gatton, Om sought out and utilized the resources available to him, allowing him to capitalize on tremendous opportunities in research, study abroad, community service, and more. I cannot wait to see how Om uses the Gates Scholarship to continue exploring and growing as a scholar and future leader,” said Sam Earls, Assistant Director of Academic Services at The Gatton Academy.

About The Gatton Academy: Established in 2007, The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s first residential two-year program for gifted and talented juniors and seniors. The Gatton Academy’s students enroll as juniors and are full-time WKU students pursuing their interests in advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Gatton Academy is a recipient of the 2022 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity Magazine and the Innovation Partnership Award from the National Consortium for Secondary STEM Schools.