The ĚÇĐÄÉŮĹ® College of Education will honor Ava Griffin ’26 and Paola Rojas ’27 as this year’s recipients of the Elaine Johnson Coates ’59 Scholarship at the Fifth Annual Alumni of Color Celebration on Thursday, May 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center.
Created in 2021 by Patricia Koskinen Ph.D. ’75 and John Koskinen and first awarded in 2022, the merit-based scholarship is given to students who demonstrate a commitment to promoting racial diversity through service or activism or who distinguish themselves through notable research. Coates, who earned a bachelor of science in education in 1959, was the first Black woman to receive an undergraduate degree from UMD.
Griffin is an elementary education major, first-generation college student and lifelong resident of Prince George’s County. After graduating from high school, she took the first step on her journey as an educator when she took a job at a child care center. While working full time, Griffin graduated cum laude from Howard Community College with an associate of arts degree in teaching, specializing in elementary and special education. She transferred to ĚÇĐÄÉŮĹ®last fall. Griffin now supports emergent readers through the MILEstones Reading Tutor Program in Prince George’s County Public Schools and volunteers as a classroom assistant at Mary Harris “Mother” Jones Elementary School in Adelphi. She also mentors first-year College of Education students.
“My goal is to become an educator who not only teaches but truly connects with students and helps them grow in all areas of learning. My commitment to diversity has been reflected in my work with students of different backgrounds, where I prioritize creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone,” said Griffin. “This award will make a significant difference in helping me achieve my academic and career goals by providing financial support, which will ease some of the financial burden of tuition.”
Rojas, a double major in neuroscience and human development, is an undergraduate research assistant in the College of Education’s Language, Experience, and Development (LEAD) Lab. There, she leverages her multilingual skills to create a safe, supportive space for bilingual families to communicate their worries regarding language development. As a team leader for the Latino Student Fund tutoring program, she helps lead a group of 30 to 40 mentors who deliver quality mentoring and tutoring for students in Prince George’s County Public Schools. In addition, Rojas is active in several ĚÇĐÄÉŮĹ®organizations including as vice president of public service for Office of Multi-ethnic Student Education’s Sister to Sister program, secretary of the Coalition of Latinx Student Organizations and a volunteer with Schools for Smiles.
“Receiving this scholarship has been a transformative force in my life as a first-generation college student,” said Rojas, “It’s a reason to be empowered to pursue my goals with confidence and determination, regardless of how challenging they may seem. This award will allow me to continue making a difference in the lives of not only the students whom I tutor, but the parents who are finally given the platform to voice their concerns and hopes for the education of their children.”
The annual College of Education Alumni of Color Celebration honors historical milestones and contributions from alumni, students, faculty and staff of color to the College of Education. This event provides a space for networking, fellowship and community-building while raising funds for the Elaine Johnson Coates ’59 Scholarship. to attend this year’s celebration on Thursday, May 15. Please consider contributing to the fundraiser for the Coates Scholarship .
The College of Education caught up with past recipients of the Elaine Johnson Coates ’59 Scholarship to find out what they’re up to.
Carly Holmes ’22, M.Ed. ’25
2022 Coates Scholarship Recipient
History major
Master of education in higher education, student affairs, and international education policy, student affairs concentration
What she’s doing now: I am pursuing a master’s degree here at the ĚÇĐÄÉŮĹ®, and I am finishing out my first year. My graduate assistantship is in the A. James Clark School of Engineering's Center for Minorities in Science and Engineering, where I assist with the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation Bridge program for incoming engineers. I love this work because it aligns with my goal of retention for students from marginalized backgrounds.
What she’s enjoying most: Learning about student affairs and its many positives and negatives. I feel like I can help this field grow and improve while helping so many students. I also think my professors and cohort are very knowledgeable, and listening to them is always interesting!
Goals she’s working toward: I want to work either at a university program or a nonprofit, focusing on retaining students from marginalized backgrounds at universities and helping them succeed post-graduation.
How the scholarship has helped her: It helped me get through my senior year and make connections with people within the field of education, which I deeply appreciate.
Paulina Martinez ’24, M.A. ’26
2023 Coates Scholarship Recipient
Elementary/middle special education major
Master of arts in teaching and learning, policy and leadership, specialization in urban education
Martinez is currently enrolled in the College of Education’s master of arts program in teaching and learning, policy and leadership, specialization in urban education. She is also finishing up the year as a full-time second grade teacher.
Amy Zhong ’23, M.Ed. ’24
2023 Coates Scholarship Recipient
English major
Master of education in curriculum and instruction with certification (MCERT), specialization in secondary education and English
What she’s doing now: Earlier this year, I returned from a semester abroad in China working as an assistant teacher at an international school. Currently, I am working as both a substitute teacher and a tutor.
What she’s enjoying most: As a substitute teacher, I get to see many different classroom environments. My tutor job allows me to build one-on-one rapport with students ranging from PK to 12th grade, and I learn about their different needs and strengths as learners.
Goals she’s working toward: My next step is to become a classroom teacher. I am applying to secondary English Language Development and English language arts jobs in Maryland counties.
How the scholarship has helped her: The Coates Scholarship emphasizes the intersection of leadership and racial activism. I took the lessons from my student internship at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt and from my position in China back to my current jobs in the United States. My experiences synthesized a deeper understanding of teaching English–that how a concept is taught is just as important as what is taught. Teachers need to understand the background of their students to ensure their pedagogy fits the needs of their classes. To the students I taught in the English Language Development classes at Eleanor Roosevelt High School and in my school in China, learning English is an avenue of success in their future academic and professional endeavors. My current positions work with a wide range of learning needs and community backgrounds, so I strive to continue embodying the spirit of the Coates Scholarship.
Jennifer Martinez ’25
2024 Coates Scholarship Recipient
Human development major
What she’s doing now: I am finishing up my last semester as a human development major. I am also working as a substitute teacher and registered behavior technician.
What she’s enjoying most: What I love most about the program is the information they teach, but also the networking opportunities that are out there. During the internship portion of the program, Dr. [Olga] Walker exposed us to different settings that we can work in, but also connected us to specific organizations. During this time I became a registered behavior technician and it allowed me to apply information hands-on.
Goals she’s working toward: I am currently preparing myself for graduate school. I will begin a doctorate program in July to become an occupational therapist.
How the scholarship has helped her: The Coates Scholarship provided more than just financial support during my final year at UMD—it opened doors for me to connect with new people and broaden my network. It also inspired me by highlighting the incredible work being done by others, motivating me to pursue my own goals with greater purpose.
Angelica Reyes ’26
2024 Coates Scholarship Recipient
Secondary education major, specialization in mathematics and science
Human development minor
What she’s doing now: Since receiving the Coates Scholarship, I have been blessed with many opportunities to strengthen my skill set as a future educator. Some of these experiences include serving as a Summer Teaching Fellow with AmeriCorps Generation Teach; a student aide at the Center for Young Children; a Saturday School tutor for the Cesar Chavez Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.; and a Teach For America Ignite Fellow. Many of these contributed to my recent admission into the College of Education's middle school math and science professional program, and I am so excited for what is to come.
What she’s enjoying most: One of the greatest joys of tutoring students is watching them slowly begin to love doing what they were once most frustrated by. During my time as a Teach For America Ignite Fellow, I watched students who were originally intimidated and frustrated by geometric topics shift into learners who were excited to meet and work through new challenges. I saw and appreciated how they gave their best effort in everything that came their way and viewed each one of our sessions as learning experiences. As the semester term comes to a close, I am going to miss hearing about the exciting things going on in their lives, but I am sure that their futures hold such amazing things. I only wish the best for them.
Goals she’s working toward: I am currently preparing to take my PRAXIS exams for middle school math and middle school science over the summer. I am a bit nervous, but I am reminding myself that this brings me one step closer to stepping foot in the classroom and using that vision as my motivation.
How the scholarship has helped her: As a student from a low-income household, the Coates Scholarship has helped relieve some of the financial burden that comes along with pursuing higher education. It allowed me to continue prioritizing my education and working toward my aspirations. Aside from the financial support, receiving support from such a wide network of individuals has given me a sense of confidence and reassurance as I move through the steps toward becoming a teacher.
