A3L Federal Works Establishes Scholarship for Fairmont State Students in STEM Related Fields

Fairmont, West Virginia’s A3L Federal Works, LLC has committed $25,500 to the Fairmont State Foundation to establish a scholarship honoring the father of President and CEO, Roya Maher.

The Mr. Karim Maher Memorial Scholarship will offer four annual awards of $1,250 to Fairmont State University students, with preference given to minorities and women majoring in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) related fields.

“It is through the generosity of organizations such as A3L Federal Works that the important education in the STEM areas will go from good to excellent at Fairmont State,” said Gary K. Bennett, Fairmont State Foundation President.

Mr. Karim Maher was a successful real estate and municipal planning professional who understood how STEM professionals improve lives by designing and building well planned cities and residential communities. He valued higher education, supporting his children and extended family with their college educations. Mr. Maher also provided charitable support to organizations that helped underserved youth achieve their dreams of advanced education.

“The A3L Federal Works generosity of establishing the Mr. Karim Maher Memorial Scholarship will directly impact Fairmont State students by giving them an opportunity to further develop their studies in the areas of science, technology, mathematics and engineering while continuing Mr. Maher’s legacy," said Tori Anselene, Fairmont State Foundation Development Officer. "Fairmont State greatly appreciates those like A3L Federal Works, who provide opportunities for deserving students in STEM.” 

Mr. Maher believed that women should have a place in STEM fields, and Ms. Maher describes him as ahead of his time. He encouraged her to pursue her own engineering education and career.

“He was instrumental to my education as an engineer. I owe my drive to succeed and my can-do attitude to my father. His love and confidence in my abilities helped me aim high and achieve my goals,” Maher said. “He was a great man, and he had a heart of gold. I hope to keep his memory alive and continue his legacy by starting this scholarship and supporting amazing West Virginia students.”

As a business owner and a woman in a STEM field, Ms. Maher recognizes the demand for personnel with STEM education and she wants to encourage women and minority students to pursue degrees in such fields of study. 

“Ms. Maher herself is a perfect example of the excellence one can achieve in STEM fields when a student is supported and encouraged,” said Mirta M. Martin, Fairmont State University President. “And just as she was sustained by her father’s support, we want to do the same for the next generation of STEM professionals, particularly creating opportunities for women and minorities who traditionally have not had proper exposure and access to STEM education. The Mr. Karim Maher Memorial Scholarship will allow us to further our efforts to provide that access, ignite the passion for STEM and help more students pursue their dreams.”

When asked why she chose to support students at Fairmont State, Maher responded, “I am impressed with Fairmont State University and their curriculum in STEM. I have employees who are Fairmont State graduates, and they are highly qualified, outstanding engineers.”

A3L Federal Works, LLC, an SBA 8(a) certified, HUBZone certified, Woman-Owned Small Business, provides high quality engineering, technology, and management services to federal and state governments, civilian agencies, and commercial clients.

Mr. Karim Maher Memorial ScholarshipSTEMA3L Federal WorksRoya MaherGary K. BennettTori AnseleneMirta M. Martin