Meet these Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholars

The Boeing/Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholars program provides students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with scholarships and internship opportunities, as well as immersive boot-camp and career immersion experiences, and on-campus networking engagements.

In 2022, Boeing announced a new $8 million, multiyear expanded partnership with Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) that will include a new fast-track hiring program for open technical positions at Boeing locations in close geographic proximity to HBCUs.

Meet three of our TMCF Scholars and read about their experiences at Boeing so far.

Heaven is standing in front of a Boeing banner showing someone wearing a space suit, with the headline — Heaven Guerin was part of the inaugural cohort of Boeing/Thurgood Marshall College Fund scholar program. (Heaven Guerin photo)

Heaven Guerin, Boeing Global Talent Acquisition

Heaven Guerin discovered a talent for leading people at a young age.

“One summer I gathered a bunch of kids from my neighborhood and set up a lemonade stand,” said Heaven. “I figured we could sit around all summer, or we could do something fun and make some money. I’ve always liked being around people and leading a project.”

This passion led Guerin to pursue a business degree at Clark Atlanta University, where she applied for and was accepted into the inaugural class of the Boeing | TMCF program.

“This program has been one of my greatest opportunities,” said Heaven, who completed two Boeing internships prior to being hired full-time in 2021. “We not only get tools and resources, but we are empowered to make an impact at the company. I always feel supported.”

Jaida West completed an internship in St. Louis before joining the Boeing Career Foundation Program. (Jaida West photo)

Jaida West, Boeing Career Foundations Program

Jaida West, a Morgan State University graduate, was part of the inaugural class of TMCF Scholars and was hired into the Boeing Career Foundations Program after completing two internships.

“There aren’t a lot of companies that will invest in you for three years, but Boeing does,” said Jaida. “I think the biggest benefit is the professional development. I was encouraged to push my boundaries and take opportunities outside my comfort zone.”

Jaida’s father was a military pilot, and she grew up loving to travel.

“I initially thought the aerospace industry was mostly engineers. But every business needs accountants and finance people, and I realized there were opportunities for me at Boeing, too. My best advice is: don’t be afraid to take risks, and have confidence.”

Jalen is standing beside a man and a woman. He is wearing a suit and tie. — Jalen Mathis speaking with peers at a Thurgood Marshall College Fund event. (Boeing photo)

Jalen Mathis, Boeing Financial Career Foundation Program

Jalen Mathis found his passion for business as a young boy helping his father with his landscaping business, learning the skills of the trade and how to promote the company. By the time he got to Morehouse College and came across TMCF, he knew it was an opportunity too good to pass up.

“Being part of this program made me feel valued as a Black man in today’s society,” said Mathis. “We’re challenged to be the best individuals we can be. This experience has challenged me and showed me how I can truly unlock my full potential.”

Mathis is inspired by fellow Morehouse College graduate and president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, Ted Colbert.

“Just like Ted Colbert inspired me, I would like to use my experience to inspire the next class of leaders. We often see a lack of diversity throughout corporate America which is why I want to show and create more opportunities for those who look like me.”