We Energies Foundation Awards Carroll University $100,000 for Pre-Engineering Scholarships

Carroll University received $100,000 from the We Energies Foundation to fund pre-engineering scholarships for the Fall 2021 semester to underrepresented students. The gift helps to support one of the goals in the university’s strategic plan which is to expand pathways to access and success for students while committing to a more diverse and inclusive community. 

“We are pleased to partner with We Energies to advance one of the key Strategic Initiatives at Carroll, and fulfill We Energies’ desire to impact the academic aspirations of underrepresented students who wish to pursue careers in engineering,” said Cindy Gnadinger, Carroll University president. “These scholarships will allow us to provide more funding to students for this fall who are in need, and we hope this great news will encourage more students interested in this field to apply.”

Funding will be available from 2021-2025 to women, black and Latinx students. Awards will be allocated through an average annual scholarship of $3,000 to eligible students. 
 
According to the 2018 Status Report on Engineering Education, only 4% of engineering degrees in 2016 were earned by black students while 61% of engineering degrees were earned by white students. In addition, only 2.3% of all STEM degrees awarded in 2016 went to Hispanic and Latinx women, and of all STEM occupations, engineering has the lowest representation of women according to the National Science Foundation’s “The State of U.S. Science and Engineering 2020” report. 
 
“We believe Milwaukee and the region are stronger and better positioned for a more prosperous future when our diversity is highlighted and our workplaces are inclusive,” said Beth Straka, Vice President of the We Energies Foundation and Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations at WEC Energy Group, the parent company of We Energies. “These scholarships will ensure underrepresented students in our community have the opportunity to pursue a career in engineering and build a brighter future for everyone.”
 
Carroll has on- and off-campus programs designed to recruit and support underrepresented students in engineering and other STEM degrees. The university has partnered with several Milwaukee and Waukesha-area educational organizations such as The Boys and Girls Club, College Possible, United Community Center, and individual middle and high schools that serve predominantly Latinx/Hispanic and Black students. In 2020, Carroll entered into a partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in which students earn their bachelor of science degree in applied physics from Carroll. During their fifth year, students earn their UW-Platteville bachelor of science degree in mechanical or electrical engineering.  
 
“The university remains committed to the growth and prosperity of underrepresented students. The We Energies partnership joins other initiatives that strive to boost the success of these students,” said Teege Mettille, Carroll University vice president of enrollment.  
 
If you are a prospective student interested in applying for a pre-engineering or STEM scholarship at Carroll University for the fall 2021-22 semester, please contact admission@517b2b.com or call 262.524.7220.