There are several ways that members of the community can work with Gateway Technical College Foundation to impact current and potential students.
Gateway’s Scholarship Programs
Thanks to the generosity of thoughtful donors who contribute to Gateway's scholarship programs, each year the Foundation awards more than $200,000 in scholarships to over 200 students entering or continuing their studies at Gateway Technical College.
Did you know scholarship recipients graduate at a 10% higher rate than the comparison group at the college? According to a study by the College Institutional Effectiveness Division, the graduation rate for students who received scholarships between 2009 and 2012 is 35%, while the rate for the benchmark group (Perkins Loan recipients) is 24.25%.
Visit the Gateway Foundation's searchable database to learn more about available scholarships.
Some of our scholarship recipients include:
Named Scholarships
Students are grateful for the support they receive, and naming a scholarship after a loved one or organization gives students a more personal connection and someone to whom they can direct their gratitude. A $500 donation, which can cover the cost of a whole course for a student, is the minimum amount required to name an annual scholarship. The minimum amount needed to name an endowed scholarship is $10,000, which provides ongoing support to Gateway students and a lasting legacy to ensure that you or your loved one are remembered.
The Gateway Promise
The Gateway Promise program helps ensure qualifying students seeking an education can begin their own path to success through a Gateway Technical College degree. With financial support from Foundation donors, the Gateway Promise ensures high school graduates in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties who meet eligibility requirements can attend Gateway tuition-free.
Promise 2 Finish
The Promise 2 Finish program helps ensure qualifying students seeking to complete their associate degree can finish their degree and graduate. With financial support from Foundation donors, the Promise 2 Finish program ensures adults 24 years and older who stopped attending college at least 2 years ago and reside in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties and meet eligibility requirements can finish their degree at Gateway tuition-free.
Inspiration Grants
By funding Inspiration Grants for faculty, staff or student groups, donors help to develop and implement high-quality, innovative projects that advance learning and support college principles and/or the Gateway Technical College mission.
Student Assistance Programs
A contribution to the Gateway Technical College Foundation can be directed to support programs that help Gateway students overcome barriers to the successful completion of their studies. Two examples include:
- Emergency Grants: Student emergency funds are for students who are facing an unexpected, unanticipated event that can derail their Gateway Technical College graduation. These funds help students to solve problems and reduce their barriers to succeeding.
- Food 4 Thought Program: This referral-based program connects students with resources on campus and in the community to ensure they have what they need to succeed, such as an emergency grocery store gift card. To access the program, students must meet with a financial aid specialist or student support counselor on their campus by calling 1-800-247-7122.
- GED Test Assistance Program: GED Test Assistance Program is for students who have not yet completed high school and need to take the next step of earning an associate degree or technical diploma by passing their GED test.
Support Projects or Capital Initiatives
Community members and businesses have invested in many projects and initiatives that enhance Gateway’s academic programs and facilities and improve student learning. Examples include:
- iMET Center & Tarnowski Hall – support from SC Johnson and the Tarnowski Family
- Center for Sustainable Living – support provided by Joseph and Kathy Madrigrano
- Pike Creek Arboretum – support provided by Frederick and Joanie Brookhouse