Honoring Philadelphia's Future Leaders

To honor Gus Amsterdam, a founding board member of Comcast Corporation, we established the Gustave G. Amsterdam Leadership Award, which provides financial support to two Philadelphia-area high school graduates planning to attend a Philadelphia college or university.

Gus Amsterdam was a founding board member of Comcast Corporation, as well as a prominent community advocate for his hometown of Philadelphia. A graduate of Central High School and the University of Pennsylvania, Gus dedicated much of his time and energy to improving and expanding educational opportunities for city students. Gus was also committed to civic activities in Philadelphia throughout his life, serving as chairman of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, and on the boards of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Philadelphia Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Center, the Philadelphia Urban League, the Federation of Jewish Agencies, the University of Pennsylvania Museum, and the Franklin Institute, among others.

Comcast established the Gustave G. Amsterdam Leadership Award in 2001 to honor Gus and his contributions to our corporate headquarters’ hometown. Honorees are Philadelphia students chosen from among the local finalists for the Comcast Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program, which is funded through the Comcast Foundation. Each Gustave G. Amsterdam Leadership Award recipient is awarded a one-time $5,000 scholarship grant, in lieu of the $1,000 Leaders and Achievers Scholarship, to be used toward their pursuit of higher education at a Philadelphia college or university.

The 2015-16 Gustave G. Amsterdam Leadership Award winners are Cristy Almonte and Natasha Stuckey, who were recognized this year by Comcast Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer David L. Cohen and newly inaugurated Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney at the mayor’s address to the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

Cristy Almonte is a graduate of Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School and the first member of her family to attend college. Cristy was president of her student council and valedictorian of her graduating class. While still a junior in high school, she participated in a dual enrollment program through Community College of Philadelphia, where she took four college courses. She hopes to one day use her biology degree from Temple University to help provide healthcare to underserved populations in developing countries.

Natasha Stuckey graduated from W.B. Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences and is currently majoring in chemistry at University of the Sciences. In high school, Natasha pursued her passion for animals by participating in wildlife club, horse club, and livestock club. She also volunteered at the Philadelphia Zoo and raised a sheep as part of her studies. Natasha’s goal is to continue working with animals and contribute to global conservation efforts.

The Comcast Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program recognizes students nationwide for their academic achievement, leadership skills, and commitment to community service. Since 2000, Comcast has awarded more than $25 million in scholarships to approximately 25,000 students.

Learn more about Comcast’s commitment to youth education and leadership here.