Sujal Shah didn’t have a chance to visit Franklin & Marshall before applying, but despite the distance from Nepal – some 7,800 miles away – he had a feeling it was the right fit. 

Now, the F&M sophomore has been awarded a Generation Google Scholarship for 2024-2025.

“This incredible opportunity provided by Google recognizes individuals who are passionate about technology and dedicated to making a positive impact in the world,” Shah said.

The Generation Google Scholarship was established to help aspiring students pursuing computer science degrees excel in technology and become leaders in the field. It is awarded based on the strength of the candidate’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; demonstrated leadership; and academic performance.

“It was more than just academics that helped him get the scholarship,” said Jerry Tompkins, adjunct instructor of computer science. “I expect Sujal will make a positive difference wherever he ends up.”

"This incredible opportunity provided by Google recognizes individuals who are passionate about technology and dedicated to making a positive impact in the world."

Sujal Shah '27

Shah is already making a difference for students in his home country.

This summer, he and fellow F&M sophomore Binayak Jha launched Uunchai, a free, six-week virtual project-based learning program for primary school students in Nepal. 

Translating loosely to “height” in English, Uunchai was organized by Shah, Jha and Mahesh Raj Pandit, president of FountED Foundation, a digital literacy nonprofit. 

Selected students were placed in cohorts based on their interests and completed projects under the guidance of mentors from universities in the United States and Nepal. F&M sophomore Cam Stone also participated as a mentor alongside Shah and Jha. 

“In Nepal, [education] lacks project-based learning,” Shah said. “Education there is mostly theoretical and you don't really learn about the real-life application of the academic things that you're studying. You don’t have the opportunity to explore the practical applications.”

More than 750 students applied to the program, with 40 ultimately selected.

“Having personally experienced the challenges faced by students from the general education system of Nepal, I recognized a big gap in access to quality education, mentorship and growth opportunities,” co-founder Jha said. 

That gap is what led Jha to F&M.  

“Coming from Nepal – where I primarily studied STEM due to limited academic choices – I was drawn to F&M’s liberal arts curriculum, which offered limitless exploration,” he said. 

Below, learn more about Shah and Jha. 

Sujal Shah ’27

• Intended major: Computer science
• Hometown: Jhumka, Sunsari, Nepal

What drew you to the field of computer science? 

As a child, I was always curious about the technological things around me. Whenever I used to call somebody, I’d wonder: How did the voice transfer within milliseconds from one part of the world to the other? How does this internet work? Those kinds of things always fascinated me. The more I explored, the more I realized computer science might be the best way to fulfill that curiosity.

What inspired you to apply to Google Generation Scholarship?

I thought it could be a great opportunity to get connected with like-minded individuals and also see what other people are doing to create more diversity in the field of technology. 

Binayak Jha ’27

• Intended majors: Computer science, mathematics
• Intended minor: Music
• Hometown: Madhawa, Janakpur, Nepal

Why did you choose to attend F&M?

F&M had always been my first choice because of its commitment to diversity and the global community. The fact that F&M has a significant international student population (about 20%) was a big plus for me, as it meant I would be part of a vibrant, multicultural environment.

The flexibility to combine my major in computer science and mathematics with a minor in music was something I never thought possible back home. Additionally, F&M awarded me full financial aid, making it the perfect place to grow intellectually and personally.

"I was drawn to F&M’s liberal arts curriculum, which offered limitless exploration."

Binayak Jha '27