When Melanie Martinez first joined the North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network Pre-College Program, or NC-MSEN, as a sixth grader, she did not come from a family with deep STEM roots. She came with curiosity, a strong work ethic and a mother determined to make sure her daughter had access to every opportunity possible.

Now, as a senior at Lee County Early College High School, Martinez is preparing to graduate as one of her class’ top students and begin the next chapter of her education at NC State.

Martinez has been named to NC State’s Park Scholarships class of 2030, joining a select group chosen from more than 3,110 applicants nationwide for their potential in scholarship, leadership, service and character. The Park Scholarship is NC State’s top full scholarship program and supports students in any discipline through tuition and fees, room and board, enrichment activities and additional expenses.

For Martinez, the recognition reflects years of persistence, mentorship and preparation through NC-MSEN, a program housed at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation in NC State’s College of Education. NC-MSEN works to broaden access to STEM learning, academic enrichment and college preparation for students across North Carolina.

“MSEN truly changed the direction of my life,” Martinez said. “It helped me discover my passion for STEM and connected me with opportunities that have shaped my future.”

Martinez’s interest in science grew through her experiences in school. She enjoyed learning how the human body works and became drawn to the ways science improves people’s lives. The more science courses she took, the more she saw STEM as part of her future.

“No, STEM does not really run in my family,” Martinez said. “My interest in STEM came from my own experiences in school. I started taking science classes and quickly realized how much I enjoyed them. I loved learning about how the human body works and how science can be used to improve people’s lives.”

Teachers and mentors encouraged her to challenge herself, helping her build confidence in a field where she often had to find her own way. NC-MSEN became a steady source of support.

Through the program, Martinez found a community of students, educators and mentors who shared her interest in STEM and helped her understand the opportunities available to her. NC-MSEN also introduced her to competitive scholarship programs, including Park and Goodnight, and supported her through the application process.

“NC-MSEN played a huge role in helping me get to where I am today,” Martinez said. “It gave me opportunities that I probably would not have known about otherwise and introduced me to a community of students and mentors who were passionate about STEM.”

For Martinez, one of the most important parts of NC-MSEN was not only learning about opportunities but also seeing herself as someone prepared to pursue them.

“MSEN helped me see that I was capable of achieving goals that seemed intimidating at first,” she said. “It pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and pursue opportunities that have had a major impact on my future.”

Her mother, Denise Tovar, saw the same transformation.

Tovar was born and raised in Panama, and Martinez is a first-generation college student. As a parent, Tovar said she did not always know the details of college preparation or the full range of academic opportunities available to students. What she knew was simple: she wanted to challenge her daughter, support her and place her in spaces where she would grow.

“I believe one of the biggest ways NC-MSEN impacted Melanie’s journey was through exposure,” Tovar said. “The truth is, I didn’t know much about college prep or all the opportunities available to students. I just knew I wanted to pour into her, challenge her and make sure she had access to experiences that would help her grow.”

NC-MSEN, she said, helped provide that access.

“It exposed her to new opportunities, pushed her academically, and helped her see what was possible for her future,” Tovar said. “But what meant the most to me was the people. The mentors, teachers and team genuinely cared about her and believed in her. They encouraged her, supported her and helped her build confidence along the way.”

Among those mentors was NC-MSEN director Braska Williams, who became a consistent source of encouragement for Martinez throughout her experience.

“Melanie represents what I dream for every student who participates in our program! To help students recognize their own potential, connect them with meaningful opportunities and surround them with people who believe in their future. She has earned every part of this moment through her work ethic, humility and commitment to service. Seeing her receive the Park Scholarship speaks to her academic strength, but it also speaks to the kind of leader and person she is becoming. This is such a blessing because this scholarship will change her family’s life forever! To graduate from the largest university in our state and one that is nationally regarded with no debt is a game changer for families,” Williams said.

For Martinez, perseverance is one of the lessons from NC-MSEN that will stay with her long after high school.

“Not every challenge is going to be easy, and not everything will go according to plan, but success comes from continuing to move forward even when things get difficult,” Martinez said. “Throughout my time in MSEN, I learned how to work hard, stay committed to my goals and trust the process.”

Those lessons helped carry Martinez through the college and scholarship application process and gave her confidence as she imagined a future in health care. She chose the Park Scholarship after meeting current scholars and learning more about the program’s emphasis on leadership, service and personal growth.

“When I met the scholars and learned more about the program, I immediately felt a sense of community,” Martinez said. “Everyone was incredibly welcoming, motivated and passionate about making a difference.”

At NC State, Martinez plans to pursue human biology and is considering a minor in film studies, reflecting her interest in storytelling and creativity. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she hopes to attend dental school and become a pediatric dentist. Her long-term goal is to start a nonprofit organization that provides dental care and education to underserved communities.

“I have always enjoyed working with children, and I want a career where I can make a positive impact on people’s lives every day,” Martinez said.

For Martinez, STEM offers a way to connect curiosity with service.

“What excites me most is that STEM can be used to make a real difference in people’s lives,” Martinez said. “Knowing that the things I learn could one day help me improve the health and well-being of others is what motivates me to continue pursuing this path.”

For Tovar, NC-MSEN became more than an academic program. It became part of the support system helping her daughter grow into a confident student, leader and future health care professional.

“MSEN became part of our village,” Tovar said. “I am so grateful for the role it played in Melanie’s journey and the young woman she has become.”

Now, Martinez is preparing to bring that foundation to NC State, where she will continue pursuing science, service and a career focused on helping children and families.

“Looking back, I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today without MSEN,” Martinez said.