First, I want to thank you for doing a wonderful job adhering to the College’s safety protocols.  Well done!  As a result, our semester is off to a great start and it is wonderful to see all of you so actively engaged in teaching and learning. I can’t thank each of you enough for your diligence in wearing facemasks, practicing social distancing, and self-monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19. Our ability to contain the virus is due to your cooperation and steadfast adherence to our safety protocols. Together, we are doing our part to maintain a safe learning environment.

When it came time to choose a path for higher education, Kayla Meier realized that the best choice for her was close to home. As family, friends, and coworkers were encouraging her to check out local options, Blackhawk Technical College was advertising its new surgical technology program.

Blackhawk Technical College Foundation announced on Sept. 2, 2020, the creation of a new scholarship to fully fund two students beginning in Jan. 2021. The IDEAL Opportunity Scholarship includes funds to cover the cost of tuition and books, a paid internship with a community partner, a cost of living stipend, support through their internship, and mentoring from a faculty member. The City of Janesville police Department, Frito Lay, and Shine Medical Technologies will be Premier Partners for the program offering students paid internship opportunities during their program of study. In addition to hosting an intern, Frito Lay has generously made a $5,000 donation to the scholarship fund.  

The Student of the Year Award is presented annually to a student who served in leadership roles during their educational journey at BTC. Normally students nominated for this honor have led student organizations and provided an impact to on-campus groups. This year’s winner, Audrey Petitt, is a woman with a reach far beyond the Blackhawk campus.