Galloway, N.J. - When he was 12, Arman Roy read an article about how 70% of Detroit’s school-aged children did not have access to the internet and how local organizations were working to help provide it.  Arman loved technology, and was a gifted student whose interests ranged from computers to robotics, solar panels and virtual reality.

“After his conversation with me about the article he said ‘Dad, I want to do that’,” said Pryia Roy, Arman’s father.  “Arman recognized the digital divide at such a young age, and how if you could connect the divide and deliver access, it could change students’ lives.”

Arman never got the chance, passing away in 2019 at the age of 15. His parents, Pryia and Manisha, residents of Readington Township in Hunterdon County, created the Arman Roy Foundation to honor his life and create a legacy of helping others.

Arman’s legacy will impact the lives of Stockton University students through the Arman Roy Foundation Hope Scholarship, which will support two students who demonstrate financial need and major in a technology-related program with an annual award of $2,500 each.

 “We are deeply moved by Arman’s story and the Foundation’s mission to provide greater access to technology,” said Dan Nugent, chief development officer and executive director of the Stockton University Foundation. “In today’s digital world, this mission is vital to the success of our students, particularly those with limited access to technology. Stockton is honored to be able to provide this scholarship through the Arman Roy Foundation.”

Pryia’s brother, Dr. Mukesh Roy, a member of the Stockton University Foundation Board, introduced Pryia and Manisha to Stockton.

“I felt Stockton University’s values of inclusion and diversity are the same values that my brother and his wife champion and taught Arman; that recognizing and understanding the significance of our similarities and differences will make us a better person in this world,” Dr. Roy said.

Pryia said they were attracted to Stockton by the focus on diversity, equity and inclusion and how, even through the Computer Sciences and Technology program, Stockton is looking for students who can help bridge the digital divide.

“If we can continue to provide access to kids from underserved populations, build on that with the Foundation’s education programs and further continue these efforts with a scholarship that helps students attend college, that truly makes all the difference,” Pryia Roy said.

Manisha stressed the value of paying it forward.

“This scholarship was established to celebrate Arman’s life and his legacy by giving others a chance to pursue their dreams,” said Manisha. “Our hope for students who receive this scholarship is that this gift changes their lives, and in turn, they are going to pay it forward to create this ripple of hope that is going to bless others for generations to come; it takes one little spark to change a generation.”

Arman would have been 17 on March 24. In honor of his birthday, the Arman Roy Foundation is holding a “Birthday Dollars for Hope Scholars” campaign through March 31 to celebrate Arman’s life and legacy with the gift of education for those in need. To learn more about this campaign or to support this effort to fund college scholarships, visit armanroy.org/dollarsforscholars.

For more information about the Arman Roy Foundation, visit https://www.armanroy.org/, and for updates, visit their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

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Contact:
Diane D’Amico
Director of News and Media Relations
Galloway, N.J. 08205
Diane.D’Amico@stockton.edu
609-652-4593
609-412-8069
stockton.edu/media