For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: February 13, 2025
New STEP Scholarship Program receives $5,000 grant
Gift will benefit Crawford County students
Fennimore -
The Crawford County Community Fund of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, Inc. has provided a $5,000 grant to the Southwest Tech Foundation. The money will be disbursed to students from Crawford County as part of the college’s Student Success STEP Scholarship program.
“The Student Success Plan STEP Scholarship Program is a strategic initiative designed to support Southwest Wisconsin Technical College students by addressing their unique financial needs throughout their academic journey,” stated Angie Herting, director of development and special gifts at Southwest Tech. “The program emphasizes a structured approach to financial aid, with the goal of incentivizing student progress and ensuring that they have the necessary resources to complete their education successfully.”
“As we took our tour, I was so impressed by the diversity of programs available, and by the warm and friendly atmosphere at SWTC,” said Kile Martz, Crawford County Community Fund president.
The scholarship is broken down into three key disbursement stages:
• At 15 credits: Students will receive an initial portion of the scholarship upon completing 15 credits. This serves as an early motivator and support for new students to continue their educational journey.
• At 30 credits: Another portion of the scholarship will be awarded upon reaching 30 credits. This milestone helps maintain momentum and supports students as they approach the halfway point of their program.
• At 45 credits: The final installment will be provided upon achieving 45 credits, helping to ensure that students have the financial backing to complete their program and graduate on time.
By tying scholarship disbursements to credit completion milestones, the program encourages continuous academic engagement and persistence.
The STEP scholarships are designed to fill the specific financial needs of students as identified through their personalized Student Success Plans. This tailored approach ensures that resources are directed where they are most needed.
The phased distribution helps retain students by providing consistent financial support throughout their studies, reducing the likelihood of financial barriers derailing their education.
By focusing on students from Crawford County, the funding aims to enhance educational attainment within the region, contributing to community growth and economic development.
“The Student Success Plan STEP Scholarship Program represents a proactive approach to student support, combining financial assistance with strategic planning to help students achieve their academic and career goals,” stated Herting.