MIT Dreams Grow Into Reality For Manchester STEM Student

MANCHESTER, NJ — A Manchester Township High School senior has earned a prestigious four-year scholarship to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Katherine Estevanell has been accepted into MIT's Match Scholarship program, which accepts a small number of students each year.

Estevanell is among 2,550 fiinalists in the QuestBridge National College Match program in 2025 who were granted admission and the four-year Match Scholarship. MIT, which is one of 55 colleges participating in the QuestBridge program, has additional requirements finalists must meet to receive the scholarships.

The scholarships recognize students who demonstrate remarkable academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to their communities, according to the program.

"Katherine’s acceptance to MIT through this prestigious program reflects her exemplary dedication both in and out of the classroom," the Manchester Township School District said in a news release.

Estevanell has participated in several prestigious programs during her high school career.

As a freshman, she received an affiliate honorable mention in the 2023 National Center for Women & Information Technology Award for Aspirations in Computing. That award honored students who were active and interested in computing and technology, encouraging them to pursue their passions, the organization's website says.

In her sophomore year Estevanell was selected for the Governor's STEM Scholars program, where she got to connect with STEM professionals in New Jersey, explore higher education and career pathways and conduct hands-on research.

She also has been a participant in the Girls Who Code program, earning certifications in computer skills.

In her Governor's STEM Scholars biography, Estevanell said her "passions lie in chemistry and computer science and she has taught herself intermediate CSS and HTML."

She is planning to pursue nuclear science and engineering at MIT, she told Patch.

In addition to her academic efforts, Estevanell volunteers at the Manchester library and has packed bags with hygiene products for homeless and other struggling community members. She also has decorated journal covers for domestic abuse victims for her local Providence House Chapter.

Estevanell was president of Manchester Township High School's Class of 2026, and now serves as publicist on the school's executive student council.

"I am very excited to have received this wonderful opportunity, and I look forward to what the future may hold," Estevanell said. "I could not have done this without the support of all the wonderful teachers and faculty at Manchester Township High School."

The Match Scholarship provides a full, four-year financial award, covering tuition, housing, meals, books, and other essential college expenses.

"More importantly, it opens the door for students like Katherine to pursue their academic dreams at some of the nation’s most renowned institutions," the Manchester Schools' news release said. "We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Katherine and her family on this life-changing achievement. Her hard work, passion for learning, and perseverance have set a shining example for all Hawks."