Engineering a Way Forward: 431 Exchange Scholars Pursue Degrees in Engineering to Improve their Communities
Scholarship Winners: Jacob Bolton, Jayden Randolph, Nick Huynh, Shelva Davis
Jacob Bolton
Seeking to Develop Life-Saving Environmentally Responsible Projects
Jacob Bolton brings a mature focus to his study of Mechanical Engineering. He works with the conviction of a student who believes his work will save lives.
A serious and well-spoken young man, Jacob graduated near the top of his class at New Orleans Career Center, where he obtained a certificate in engineering before enrolling at Prairie View A&M, an HBCU in Prairie View, Texas. He earned an out of state tuition waiver by participating in the school’s Marching Storm, a show-style marching band that frequently performs at the Cotton Bowl Stadium and is known for its high-energy performances. Despite a very demanding schedule, Jacob has an impressive 3.97 GPA.
Jacob credits his work ethic to his mom, a single mother who set an inspiring example while raising Jacob and his twin sisters as she went back to school to become a nurse practitioner.
“She’s the one who taught me that being brave and courageous isn’t about knowing what I’m getting myself into but about knowing that, no matter what, I will always put my best foot forward,” said Jacob, a 2026 graduate of Warren Easton Charter High School in New Orleans. “I have witnessed my mother raise me and my sisters to the best of her ability and…become a Family Nurse Practitioner. If she found the strength and the willpower to accomplish that, who’s to say I haven’t inherited those strengths as well?”
Jacob is excited to attend a school whose engineering program is ranked among the top 5 of HBCUs “and I plan to use every resource that is presented to me,” he said. “After graduation, I intend to use my degree to help further progress in my community and create projects that are environmentally safe and can make life easier for people.”
Jacob commends the 431 Exchange for truly seeing students who can benefit from support and encouragement, and recognizing their potential. “This nonprofit gives praise to students who’ve been looked over or not fully credited by others,” he shared. “I’m also inspired by the legacy of this nonprofit and how it was built off the backs of hardworking black women who wanted to grant opportunities for African Americans.”
Jayden Randolph
Using Math and Science to Solve Real Problems and Make Life Easier
Described as a student who always goes above and beyond, Jayden Randolph also works at Rouse’s and runs a car detailing business. But what inspires him most is his desire to learn to build stronger infrastructure to make life easier and keep his community safe.
He is majoring in Civil Engineering at LSU-UNO, having studied it at New Orleans Career Center during his senior year at Warren Easton Charter School in New Orleans.
“My family’s support and the chance to solve real problems give me courage to face tough classes and hard work,” said Jayden, who impressed his teachers with his sharp focus and impeccable manners. “I’m eager to make a difference by designing strong, smart structures that help my community grow and stay safe for the future.”
Jayden said he appreciates how the 431 Exchange gives adults a “hand-up through education.”
“As a 17-year-old working toward my civil engineering degree, I love how the 431’s scholarships help people build stronger futures. It shows how learning can change life for the better.”
Nick Huynh
Working Collaboratively to Arrive at Practical Solutions
Nick Huynh is passionate about automotive design and is pursuing an Engineering Physics degree at Tulane, with a minor in Mechanical Engineering, to fulfill his dream to design vehicles that are faster, safer, more efficient and advanced.
An altruistic and hard-working student, Nick is a 2026 graduate of Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy in Avondale. He said he is interested in applying physics to solve problems.
“When I took AP Physics, I realized how physics principles could be applied to real-world engineering problems,” he said. Nick said Tulane’s emphasis on community service “aligns with my belief that knowledge should be used to help others.”
He participates in extracurricular programs that allow him to collaborate with fellow students, conduct research and prototype products. He praises Tulane’s culture of innovation and plans to join Tulane Formula Racing, to gain experience in designing vehicles and prepare for a career in the automotive industry.
Nick said the 431’s mission of advocating for equal access to education for adults “really speaks to me. World-impacting potential is lost when hard-working and intelligent people are held back from higher education, that’s why I believe everybody should have the opportunity to acquire high-quality education.”
Shelva Davis
Creating Innovative Solutions to Benefit his Community
An interest in computers, gaming and electronics led Harvey native Shelva Davis to study electrical engineering, and he plans to channel his interest and creativity into designing innovative solutions after he obtains his degree from Delgado Community College.
While Shelva is quiet, his attire and meticulous presentation convey conscientiousness and a sense of style. He enjoys making music, is advancing in his job at Home Depot, and he helps his father with his plumbing business.
Shelva’s appreciation of his family comes across when he describes the impact his parents’ and grandparents’ work ethic had on him. He also credits his sister’s success in nuclear medicine with influencing his path. He attributes the discipline that shows in his track record at New Harmony High School to lessons learned playing basketball since childhood.
“My parents worked long hours while pursuing careers to give me and my sister better opportunities,” he shared. “I am determined to make my family proud by earning my degree and to show people that young black males are able to do great things and live out our dreams.”
Shelva said he enjoyed taking things apart to see how they worked when he was a child and this led to his interest in improving things. He said the Delgado engineering program “will give me the knowledge and hands-on experience to turn my passion into a meaningful career creating innovative solutions.”
He praised the 431’s belief in education and its ability to transform lives. “By creating this opportunity, you empower families, strengthen communities and provide homes for future generations.”