Carlee O'Neal Named UK's First Voyager Scholar

Chemistry and community and leadership development major Carlee O'Neal is UK's first recipient of the Voyager Scholarship. Also called the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service, the award provides up to $50,000 in financial aid, including a work-travel experience between recipients’ junior and senior years, with a $10,000 stipend and free housing. After graduation, recipients receive a $2,000 annual Airbnb travel credit for 10 years, totaling $20,000.

The scholarship supports students “who have a passion for helping others, experience serving their communities and can demonstrate an expansive view of what’s possible through public service.”

After graduation, Carlee plans to be a high school chemistry teacher and is committed to making sure study of that scientific discipline is accessible to all students, especially those in underrepresented populations.

“Students should not be limited academically because of factors that they cannot control — location, race, gender identity, income, et cetera,” she said. “I hope to help curious students like me get the education they deserve.”

Read more on Carlee in UKNow.