Fontana Unified Grad Named Gates Scholar, to Attend Yale University

FONTANA, CA – Henry J. Kaiser High School graduate Amandeep Heyer will study computer science at Yale University this fall after receiving a 2018 Gates Scholarship, an all-expense-paid award given to just 300 students across the country.

After college, Heyer – one of Kaiser’s four Class of 2018 co-valedictorians – dreams of working for a startup company, where he feels he can make a big difference in a smaller, hands-on work environment.

“We all have the opportunity to change the world, and for me, I think receiving a good education is key to making that happen,” Heyer said. “This scholarship makes it possible for me to focus on my dreams, pursue the education I’ve dreamed of and find ways to do well in the world.”

The scholarship was launched in 2017 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates Scholarship will be given to 3,000 minority high school seniors over the next decade, funding the full cost of college not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

To be eligible, students must also be Pell Grant-eligible, maintain at least a cumulative weighted 3.3 GPA, enroll in a four-year college or university and demonstrate leadership ability and exceptional personal success skills, such as perseverance and service to community.

Heyer, who graduated from Kaiser High School on May 22, balanced a rigorous academic schedule – including 16 AP courses over four years – with tennis, cross country and Pi Club. He was named a National AP Scholar and offered QuestBridge National College Match and National Merit scholarships, which he turned down in favor of the Gates Scholarship.

“Congratulations to Amandeep Heyer for being named a Gates, QuestBridge and National Merit scholar,” Fontana Unified Superintendent Randal S. Bassett said. “We are proud to have students like Aman, who represent the very best of Fontana Unified and inspire their peers to strive for excellence.”

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053018_FUSD_GATES_SCHOLAR: Amandeep Heyer, one of Kaiser High School’s four co-valedictorians – is one of 300 students in the U.S. to receive the all-expense-paid 2018 Gates Scholarship, which will fund his academic pursuits at Yale University.