Blackhawk apprentices receive $78,000 in scholarships

Thirty-nine Blackhawk construction and industrial trade apprentices were selected to receive $2,000 Tools of the Trade scholarships from Ascendium to use toward the purchase of equipment, tools, clothing, tuition and more.

Apprenticeships are training programs that provide learners with on-the-job experience along with classroom instruction. Blackhawk offers eight apprenticeship programs, including in Industrial Electrician, Construction Electrician (JAC), Construction Electrician (ABC), Maintenance Technician, Mechatronics, Machinist, HVAC and Welding. Many apprentices complete their programs and secure employment with businesses in Rock and Green counties.

This year, Ascendium awarded 800 scholarships to apprentices across the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) through its Tools of the Trade Scholarship Program for a total of $1,542,000. Apprentices are eligible to apply for a scholarship if they are enrolled and receiving credit for both fall and spring semesters, are enrolled in an eligible construction or industrial trade, and demonstrate a financial need.

“Like Governor Evers, we understand the value of apprenticeships to both learners and employers. Apprentices get to ‘earn while they learn,’ building a skill set that is required for an in-demand job, and employers get the benefit of recruiting, developing, and training their future workforce,” said Ascendium Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer Richard D. George. “We’re pleased to provide a scholarship that helps apprentices reach their education and career goals while also helping employers fill a workforce need.”

Congratulations to the following Blackhawk apprentices:

• Robert Alba Weisensel
• Maddox Anderson
• Adrian Arriaga
• Edgar Ayala
• Trevor Bierman
• Lucas Bingham
• Justin Blakey
• Joseph Brown
• Marlon Cruz
• Timothy Cunningham
• Ethan Dillinder
• Zachary Duncan
• Michael Easton
• Drew Eppihimer
• Brady Fry
• Thomas Hernandez
• Miguel Hernandez
• Alexander Hilt
• Magnus Jenson
• Tyler Kersten
• Taylor Kress
• Max Madsen
• Seth Mansfield
• Jacob Miller
• Bryce Minor
• Tyler Neblock
• Ian O’Donnell
• Austin Omvig
• Dakota Osborne
• Skyler Schmuck
• Anthony Serrano
• Daniel Severson
• Vincent-Micheal Sherrod
• Connor Simonson
• Weston Simpson
• Ethan Smith
• David Steinke
• Ian Suer
• Luca Vogt

Learn more about Blackhawk's apprenticeship programs: blackhawk.edu/Professional-Training/Apprenticeships

About Ascendium

Ascendium Education Group is committed to making education and training beyond high school a reality for more people. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we fund initiatives across the U.S. that help learners from low-income backgrounds achieve upward mobility; provide student and employee success solutions to colleges and businesses; invest in education-focused innovations to improve learner outcomes; and provide information, tools and counseling to help millions of borrowers successfully repay their federal student loans. While we have many roles, we have one goal — elevating opportunity by creating a world where everyone can rise to their highest potential. To learn more, visit ascendiumeducation.org.