Project SURE Student Spotlight: Arbara Ezebb

“I’ve come a long way. My educational journey has been filled with emotions, but I’m happy and proud to have accomplished so much. I’m a living testimony to single mothers in IT—that you can do it,” said Project SURE student Arbara Ezebb.

Project SURE (Scaffolding Undergraduate Research Experiences) is a four-year initiative funded by a $1.25 million NSF HBCU-UP grant. The program aims to elevate STEM education by equipping students with the skills to transfer to four-year universities and pursue STEM degrees. Through classroom experiential learning, applied research, internships, and summer research opportunities, students gain hands-on, career-relevant experience.

Arbara graduated with an associate degree in Information Technology Cybersecurity in May 2024 and is on track to earn her Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity degree from St. Philip’s College in Spring 2027.

"Dr. Saint Hubert reached out to me during the pandemic to join the program," she said. "It helped me network with professionals in the STEM and IT fields, meet new people, and gain the skills I needed to advance my career."

The program offers participants stipends to assist with school expenses and connects students with financial resources that help with food and housing needs. Arbara credits her involvement with Project SURE for helping her network with her current employer, Accenture Federal Service. Four months after completing her internship at St. Philip’s College’s Eastside Education Training Center (EETC) with Accenture Federal Service, she began as an Engineer Tester for the company.

She encourages other students to embrace the opportunities Project SURE provides. “My advice would be to go for it and don’t be afraid to ask questions. They are there to help you reach the career you want.”