For Immediate Release
Contact: Kim Schmelz, Foundation Director
Phone: 608.822.2379
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: October 19, 2021
Crawford County Community Fund supports Southwest Tech students
Fennimore -The Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Foundation was awarded a $700 grant from the Crawford County Community Fund to be used to support the Charger Dream Fund.
The Charger Dream Fund assists students through financial emergencies by awarding one-time grants up to $500 in order that their education not be interrupted by an unexpected financial emergency. “The Charger Dream Fund has had a significant impact on our students and their ability to remain in college while weathering the unexpected storms that come their way,” said Kim Schmelz, Foundation Director for the Southwest Tech Foundation.
College and national research found that students who do not complete their program cite financial reasons as the cause. Charger Dream grants are a critical factor in Southwest Tech’s above average retention and graduation rates.
The Southwest Tech Foundation awarded more than $23,000 in Charger Dream grants and funds developed specifically for COVID-19 related emergencies in the 2020-21 fiscal year. In total, these funds have provided assistance for 109 students. The Southwest Tech Foundation is appreciative of the gift from the Crawford County Community Fund. The grant funding was awarded to two students.
The Crawford County Community Fund is a component of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, a resource for area nonprofit organizations whose programs and services are working for the betterment of our communities.
For more information about the Charger Dream Fund or other funding opportunities with Southwest Tech please contact the Southwest Tech Foundation office at foundation@swtc.edu or by phone at 608.822.2379.
For more information on how to support the community through the Community Foundation, contact Dave Murphy at dave@cfsw.org or visit www.cfsw.org.