Breakthrough Scholars Program (Engineering)

Their belief that ‘education is the basis of everything’ inspired Mr. and Mrs. William Weiss to make available scholarships to deserving students at Sandhills. The couple were met at their alma mater, Penn State, where he was an engineering student, and she was a math major. ‘You could say we fell in love over differential equations,’ said William Weiss.

Formerly Pinehurst residents who now reside in Florida, the Weiss’ son Dave is their point person for the 20 scholarships that are generated each year by his parents’ generosity. ‘My parents lived in Pinehurst for 25 years, and were influenced to make this contribution by their many friends and contacts who were associated with Sandhills,’ said Dave Weiss.

The Breakthrough Scholars Program funds 10 scholarships for engineering students and an additional 10 for college transfer students annually each year since it was established in 2006.

The Breakthrough Scholars Fund for Engineering and Computer Technologies is awarded to first-year students enrolling in Engineering or Computer Technology programs who have demonstrated academic promise, financial need, and potential for success in their chosen field; preference is given to those who are the first generation in their family to enroll in college; scholarship may continue during second year if qualified.