Arlington Tech Alumni Series

Welcome to the Arlington Tech, Governor’s STEM Academy Alumni Series, where we celebrate the remarkable journeys of our graduates and the lasting impact of the Arlington Tech experience.Through this ongoing series, you’ll meet alumni who are thriving in college and launching careers. Each Q&A highlights how Arlington Tech’s project-based learning, collaborative environment, and supportive community prepared them for success, and what advice they have for students following in their footsteps. At Arlington Tech, our commitment to students doesn’t end at graduation—it’s a lifelong connection. We’re proud to showcase the diverse paths our alumni have taken and the incredible things they’re accomplishing. Their stories reflect the innovation, resilience, and leadership that define the Arlington Tech community.

Alumni Stories

Kimberly Montesflores Gonzalez (Class of 2023)

Kimberly stands in front of an Amazon sign for "The Spheres"

Kimberly Montesflores Gonzalez, class of 2023, earned the competitive Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship her senior year at Arlington Tech. She is now a Computer Science major at George Mason University.

What is the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship and what are some things you’ve done after winning this award?

The Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship is awarded to students pursuing degrees in computer science or engineering. Each year, 400 students are selected to receive up to $40,000 in college funding, along with a paid summer internship at Amazon following their freshmen year. After receiving this award, I had the opportunity to complete my first internship at Amazon’s headquarters in Seattle, where I worked on the front-end of the Amazon website. I contributed in creating a feedback component to the Devices Compatibility Widget which shows up for customers when they are looking at a compatible accessory for one of their Amazon devices. Following my first internship, I received a return offer and came back to Amazon the next summer to continue working with the same team. This time, I focused more deeply on front-end development, redesigning the Devices Compatibility Widget to make it more accessible and user-friendly. Not only did I gain more technical skills in front-end but I also got to experience how to build a technical document.I’m excited to share that I’ve received another return offer and will be returning again this upcoming summer! This scholarship has not only allowed me to gain valuable technical experience through multiple internships but has also encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, travel, build meaningful professional relationships, and gain a clearer sense of my future goals.

How have you used the skills and experiences from Arlington Tech in college or work?

Arlington Tech helped me strengthen my teamwork, communication, and public speaking skills. These have been essential throughout college, especially when working on group projects, presenting my ideas clearly, and collaborating effectively with others in both academic and professional settings.

What did you enjoy most about your experience at Arlington Tech?

What I enjoyed most about Arlington Tech was the sense of community and diversity. I loved working on projects that involved collaboration and community engagement, and I made close friends who shared similar passions and goals. I especially enjoyed working with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office alongside Sra. Monica, helping organize events and support various clubs that promoted inclusivity and student involvement.

What advice do you have for current high school students?

My advice to current high school students is to take full advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Say “yes” to new experiences even if you’re unsure what you’ll gain because every experience teaches you something valuable and helps your grow.