Pennsylvania Army National Guard member Oscar Amador, who is completing an AS degree in Life Sciences at Montgomery County Community College received half of a $5,000 STEM scholarship from ITServe Alliance CSR-Philadelphia Chapter. Photo by Eric Devlin
A Montgomery County Community College student and Pennsylvania Army National Guard member has been named a recipient of a STEM scholarship.
Oscar Amador, 25, of Souderton, who is completing an AS degree in Life Sciences, was recently named a recipient of the ITServe Alliance CSR-Philadelphia Chapter STEM Scholarship from the Montgomery County Community College
(PA) Legacy Fund. The $2,500 scholarship for the fall 2026 and spring 2027 semesters supports students
pursuing degrees in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. U.S.
Air Force veteran Heber Herrera, who is completing an Engineering Science-Mechanical
AS degree also received the scholarship.
ITServe Alliance’s mission is “To empower local communities through STEM advocacy, educating the underprivileged, feeding the hungry, supporting our veterans and first responders, and recognizing our community heroes.”
Amador, an E4 Specialist in the Guard, said he is grateful for the scholarship.
“It eases my financial burden for paying tuition,” he said. “It helps with stress as well. I don’t have to worry about putting money toward tuition. It’s a great anxiety relief.”
After graduating from Souderton Area High School in 2020, Amador entered the military. He needed help with paying for school and knew the Guard could offer some assistance. His current position is a 35F Intelligence Analyst. Part of his role includes presenting intelligence data to high-ranking officers during briefings. From 2023 to 2024, he was also stationed in Kuwait managing fuel operations.
He reenlisted after four years to be able to take advantage of the military benefits available to him. He then enrolled at the College in the summer of 2026 as a Life Sciences major.
“It’s pretty nice,” he said of the Blue Bell Campus. “It’s generally easy to get to and classes are in the same building for the most part.”
Adjusting to civilian life on campus can be a challenge sometimes, he said.
“Being in the military, there’s a different way to talk to people versus outside of it. Communication is different,” he said. “The way you’d say things in the Army versus talking to nonmilitary individuals is a little bit different.”
While on campus, Amador has worked with Christopher Weaver, Manager of Veterans Services, for help with his GI Bill benefits, he said.
On both the Blue Bell and Pottstown campuses, a Veterans Resource Center is available for veterans and military-connected students to relax, study, or work
on schoolwork between classes. Additionally, the Veterans Resource Center provides
assistance with VA Educational Benefits and Certification, VA work-study opportunities,
priority course registration, Student Veterans Organization meetings, a veterans'
lounge with technology services, free, on-site academic coaching and online tutoring,
community collaboration and networking events.
Outside of work and time with the Guard, Amador said he works part-time as a sales associate.
Amador is scheduled to graduate in 2028 and plans to transfer to a four-year institution to continue his education. He’d ultimately like to become a forensic science technician. The scholarship, he said, will certainly help him along the way.
He gave a special thank you to the ITServe Alliance team for their support.
“Thank you very much, I appreciate the offer,” he said. “I’m very happy you’re able to help me in my student career.”
Consider helping a student like Oscar Amador by making a donation to the Montgomery County Community College (PA) Legacy Fund. The Legacy Fund is the official charitable foundation supporting Montgomery County Community College by advancing student success, educational excellence, and community impact through philanthropy. The Legacy Fund connects donors with meaningful opportunities to invest in scholarships, innovative programs, campus initiatives, and the College’s greatest needs. Every gift helps expand access to education and creates lasting opportunities for current and future Montco students. For more information, contact the Legacy Fund or call 215-641-6350.