The Astros Foundation and Daikin Awards Conroe ISD Student $10,000 Scholarship

CONROE, TX -- Josue Eden Cardona, a graduating senior from Caney Creek High School, has been named one of ten recipients of the inaugural Daikin’s Most Valuable STEAM Scholarship, presented by Daikin Comfort Technologies and the Astros Foundation. The scholarship awards $10,000 to each student to support their continued education in STEAM—science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Josue earned his AG Mechanics Welding Certificate while also excelling in athletics, competing on his school’s water polo, swimming, and cross-country teams. A dedicated member of the FFA chapter at Caney Creek, he will attend Sam Houston State University this fall to study mechanical design technology.

“Daikin believes that one of the most meaningful ways we can support our community is by investing in the education of its future leaders,” said Kristi Pittman, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Daikin. “The Most Valuable STEAM Scholarship not only recognizes the academic achievements of these exceptional individuals but also celebrates their creativity and leadership. We proudly support these students as they continue their education and pursue their dreams.”

The recipients were determined based on their success in STEAM education, as well as their work both inside and outside the classroom. With the combined support of Daikin and the Astros Foundation, these talented students are encouraged to take a new approach to their technical education, developing into outside-the-box thinkers and innovative leaders right here in the city of Houston.

"These students represent the best of what Greater Houston has to offer- talent, drive, and a passion for making a difference," said Emelda Douglas, Senior Vice President, Community Affairs for the Astros, and Executive Director of the Astros Foundation. "We're proud to stand alongside Daikin in recognizing these outstanding scholars. Together, we're helping to build a stronger and more innovative Houston, one student at a time."

The program is one of Daikin signature community initiatives aimed at giving back to the Houston area. In addition to the Most Valuable STEAM Scholarship program, Daikin will launch the Cooling Communities initiative, focusing on directly giving back to those in our community who need it most. Daikin is committed to making a positive impact on Houston and the people who call the city home.

About Daikin
Daikin Industries, Ltd. (DIL) is a Fortune 1,000 company with more than 100,000 employees worldwide and a leading indoor comfort solutions provider. Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. (DNA) is a subsidiary of DIL, providing Daikin, Goodman, Amana® and Quietflex brand products. DNA and its affiliates manufacture heating and cooling systems for residential, commercial and industrial use that are sold via independent HVAC contractors. DNA engineering and manufacturing is located at Daikin Texas Technology Park near Houston, TX. For additional information, visit www.daikincomfort.com.

Amana® is a registered trademark of Maytag Corporation or its related companies and is used under license. All rights reserved.

About Daikin Park
On January 1, 2025, the Houston Astros and Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. (Daikin) entered into a 15-year, exclusive naming-rights partnership that brands the home of the Astros as Daikin Park. The agreement runs through the 2039 season, and includes official naming rights, partnership benefits, and giving back to the Greater Houston community through educational programming and youth sports development in underserved communities.

Overall, Daikin has invested more than $1 billion in the Houston area, including more than $500 million in building Daikin Texas Technology Park. Also, in August 2024, Daikin launched an initiative with the City of Houston to equip low-to-moderate income homes with advanced air conditioning and heating solutions, providing more comfort and energy efficiency for homeowners. Daikin is always looking for new ways to support their community and to create innovative technologies, with an unwavering commitment to making sustainable and responsible choices. For more information on Daikin Park, visit https://daikincomfort.com/about-daikin/daikin-park.

About Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are an American professional baseball team based in Houston, Texas. The Astros compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West Division. Established as the Houston Colt .45s, the Astros entered the National League as an expansion team in 1962. The current name, Houston Astros, reflecting Houston’s role as the host of the Johnson Space Center and space exploration, was adopted three years later, when they moved into the Astrodome. The Astros moved to their current home ballpark in downtown Houston in 2000. The Astros have had great success on the diamond, having won two World Series (2017 and 2022), five league pennants, and advanced to a record-setting seven-straight American League Championship Series, winning four of the last seven American League pennants.

A tenant of the organization is to give back to the greater Houston community, and that is done through the Astros Foundation, the official 501(c)(3) team charity of the Houston Astros. The foundation seeks to harness the passion of baseball fans to support youth baseball and softball programs, the recognition and honor of our nation’s military, childhood cancer awareness, domestic violence awareness and efforts to reduce homelessness. The cornerstone initiatives include the Community Leaders program, the Astros Youth Academy and the Astros RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) Program. For more information on the Astros Foundation, please visit www.astros.com/foundation.