Ayla Zook
2025-2026 Freshman
From King George, VA
Ayla Zook
$3,500 Annual Anchor Scholarship sponsored by BAE SYSTEMS Recipient

College:

Dartmouth College

Major:

Physics, Neuroscience with a minor in Public Policy

Academic & Extracirricular Highlights:

  • 4.5576 High School GPA
  • President of the Y Street: Youth-Lead Public Health Virginia Advocacy Organization
  • STEM Club – President & Competition Advisor

Quotes:

I am writing to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generous BAE sponsorship of the Annual Anchor Scholarship in the amount of $3,500 for the 2025/2026 academic year. As an incoming freshman at Dartmouth College, this scholarship represents not only a significant financial relief but also a meaningful encouragement to continue striving toward my academic and professional goals.

Your support will help fund my studies as I pursue an interdisciplinary education in physics, neuroscience, and public policy. I am particularly passionate about the emerging field of quantum neuroscience and aspire to one day contribute to academic research and policy in this area. It is my goal to become a professor in physics while advocating for broader accessibility and equity in STEM education.

Having grown up with a father who served in the military, I was taught from an early age about the importance of service, resilience, and giving back. Your investment in my education is both inspiring and empowering, and I am determined to pay it forward by contributing meaningfully to science and society.

Thank you again for your generous support of students like me. I am honored to be a recipient of the Anchor Scholarship and truly grateful for the opportunities it makes possible.

~ Ayla