Soto, who is majoring in manufacturing systems engineering, was presented with a $5,000 scholarship at a special ceremony last month at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington D.C. Of the 56 students nationwide chosen for this award, Soto was one of only two invited to Washington D.C. to receive the honor in person.

"The college shares in this honor that Ari Soto has received. It is a testimonial to the excellent students and academic programs here at Cal State Northridge," said S. T. Mau, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Soto has interned at Raising Interest in Science and Math, where he helped design, build and test a robot that was entered in a national competition earlier this year. He also served as director of finance for Associated Students, where he was directly responsible for the management of a $3.7 million budget.

Soto is currently establishing a nonprofit foundation, Technology Empowering Communities Hands-on (TECH), recycles used technology from large companies to middle schools, community centers and churches with limited resources.