Gateway Technical College and Eli Lilly and Company announced today that the company has made a $250,000 pledge to the Gateway Technical College Foundation to support students in the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology and Electromechanical Maintenance Technician programs.

The first recipients will be awarded in Fall 2026 and Lilly is committed to awarding scholarships over the next five years totaling $250,000.

Students who receive scholarships, known as Lilly Scholars, have up to eight semesters to complete their program once they’ve been awarded the scholarship, assuming they continue to meet the requirements of the scholarship, which includes grade point average requirements. New students, as well as currently enrolled students, are eligible to receive a scholarship.

“Gateway is grateful for this gift from Eli Lilly and Company to support scholarships for our students,” said Gateway Technical College President and CEO Veronique Tran. “Our hands-on training facilities and industry-experienced faculty provide the training that manufacturers are seeking. Gateway continues to support the workforce needs of business and industry, helping existing employers grow and attracting new employers, like Lilly, to the region.”

The scholarship will focus on students who have a goal of entering the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry after receiving their degree and who indicate they will consider Lilly as an employer upon graduation.

“Building a pipeline of skilled manufacturing talent is an investment in both the future of our industry and the strength of this community,” said Serafino Fabiano, site head of Lilly’s Kenosha County manufacturing site. “We’re proud to partner with Gateway Technical College to help students gain the skills and hands-on experience that open doors to rewarding careers in advanced manufacturing. The Lilly Scholars represent exactly the kind of local talent and determination that strengthens our whole community, and we’re glad to help them take that first step.”

Lilly Scholars will receive more than just financial support. They will also have access to experiential learning opportunities such as touring Lilly’s facilities, job shadowing and connecting with a job site that will help them to connect their work in the classroom with the industry they will soon enter.

“For many of our students, the greatest obstacle standing between their talent and a rewarding career is the financial burden of getting there,” said Gateway Technical College Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs Matt Janisin. “This remarkable gift is the culmination of more than a year of close collaboration between Gateway and Lilly to align curriculum and programming that supports Lilly’s workforce needs while creating meaningful opportunities for students. 

“Lilly’s generosity will help remove financial barriers and tell every Lilly Scholar: ‘We believe in your potential and are invested in your future.’ This partnership demonstrates what is possible when education and industry work together, and we are deeply grateful for an investment that will change lives for years to come.”

Lilly Scholars who are hired by Lilly will help it to grow in its new location in Southeastern Wisconsin.

In December 2024, Lilly announced a $3 billion expansion of the Kenosha County manufacturing facility it acquired earlier that year. The company said the investment will extend its global parenteral (injectable) product manufacturing network, helping to meet the growing demand for its diabetes, obesity and future pipeline medicines across therapeutic areas. Lilly expects to add 750 highly skilled jobs to the current 100-plus workforce at this location.