Victoria Mends, a third-year Biomedical Engineering student at Academic City University College, Accra, Ghana, has been included in the top 50 shortlist for the Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2024, an annual $100,000 award given to one exceptional student who has made a significant impact on learning, the lives of their peers, and society.
Victoria was selected from over 11,000 nominations and applications from 176 countries, and she stands as the only Ghanaian finalist, showcasing her dedication and achievements on a global stage.
Victoria Mends schooled at Armed Forces Senior High Technical School in Kumasi, where her academic dedication and performance earned her commendations from her teachers.
Her exceptional abilities led to her selection as a representative for her school at the prestigious Ghana Science Olympiad (GSO) in 2020. Despite initial hesitation, Victoria embraced the challenge and emerged as the first runner-up in the northern zone and the overall best female student of the competition. Her outstanding performance caught the attention of the Ghana Education Service-Science Education Unit and sponsors of the competition, including Ms. Shanna Akosua Magee, the Admissions Director of Academic City University College.
Victoria’s success at the Ghana Science Olympiad opened doors to further opportunities. She participated in the Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Innovation Education (STMIE) Camp, where she secured the 7th position nationwide. Additionally, she represented her school in the National Science and Math Quiz in 2021.
Despite facing financial challenges following her WASSCE exams, Victoria’s academic achievements and participation in various competitions led to a scholarship opportunity at Academic City University College. This scholarship, awarded without prior application, enabled her to pursue her passion for science and engineering. Victoria has been recognized with the Dean of Engineering Award for outstanding academic achievement, active participation in extracurricular activities, and positive societal impact, also known as Prof. Benjamin Nyarko’s Outstanding Award. She is also on the Dean’s List of brilliant students. Victoria Mends won the Ghana Student of the Year First-runner-up 2024
