President Obama congratulates college
Gateway Technical College at a celebration today on its Racine Campus announced its Gateway Promise program, a scholarship initiative which enables access, success and completion of a college degree.
The program is designed to help ensure all qualifying students seeking an education in the college’s district will be able to do so tuition-free
“Today, the world is different than it was a century ago,” Gateway Technical College President and CEO told the crowd of 235 made up of area students, educators, donors and members of the community. “The knowledge and skill necessary to compete and thrive in the job market are higher than ever before.
“That is why I am so proud to announce that, through the generosity of our community, we gather here today to pledge a new and even bolder vision for the future called the Gateway Promise. It’s a promise that all students who work hard and meet the expectations will have an opportunity to attend Gateway Technical College upon graduation from high school.”
James Schuelke, deputy director of the national Civic Nation group, lauded Gateway’s program. He also read a letter sent by President Obama to Gateway congratulating it on the Promise program.
“Gateway serves as a model to the nation of what can be achieved when community leaders come together to create economic opportunity,” said Schuelke.
Civic Nation is a charitable and educational non-profit organization which, among other efforts, is the legal entity that houses and supports the infrastructure for the College Promise Campaign. In part, it is inspired by President Obama’s America’s College Promise proposal.
Kelly Semrau, senior vice president, SC Johnson: A Family Company, announced at the event that SC Johnson, along with Fisk Johnson, chairman and CEO of SC Johnson, are contributing to the Promise scholarship effort.
Several other companies and individuals have also contributed to the effort, as well.
The Gateway Promise is funded by community support through the Gateway Technical College Foundation. For students who qualify, the scholarship bridges the gap between the amount of money awarded to students through financial aid and the cost of their education. They will receive tuition for up to six full-time semesters, with a not-to-exceed total contribution of $10,500. The first high school class eligible to qualify for the program is the Class of 2017.
Those students who apply and are accepted for the scholarship must meet certain benchmarks to continue, such as maintaining 2.0 grade point average, participating in learning enhancement activities and enroll in at least 12 credits per semester. The wide-reaching program not only helps students with their monetary needs, but strongly encourages use of learning support services which will help them succeed in their education.
More details can be found at: www.gtc.edu/promise
A hotline has been set up as a resource to answer any potential participant questions, at (800) 247-7122. It will be live through Feb. 13.
Media questions should be directed to Zina Haywood, (262) 564-3104.
