WTCS statements on the new Fund for Wisconsin Scholars

MADISON – The $175 million Wisconsin Scholars Fund established by John and Tashia Morgridge will help to ensure that all Wisconsin students can pursue their dreams of higher education and the career opportunities that grow from that education, according to leaders of Wisconsin’s Technical Colleges.

"On behalf of Wisconsin’s Technical Colleges, future students and their parents, we are extremely thankful for the incredible gift of the Wisconsin Scholars Fund. Significant numbers of technical college students have limited financial resources and the demand for state financial aid dollars has exceeded available funding for several years," said Dan Clancy, President of the Wisconsin Technical College System." The establishment of the Fund for Wisconsin Scholars and its potential to encourage additional contributions should reduce many financial barriers to college for generations to come," Clancy add.

Wisconsin Technical College System Board President Mary Cuene stated, "As a life-long advocate of accessible, public higher education for all individuals, I am moved by the Morgridge’s vision and generosity in providing opportunities for so many. With the Wisconsin Scholars Fund, the Morgridge’s have taken their long-time support of Wisconsin’s Technical Colleges to an unprecedented level." Cuene also noted, "Wisconsin Scholars grants will open the door for thousands of students to high-demand technical college programs, preparing them for highly-skilled, well-paid careers in health care, engineering, manufacturing, business, agriculture and a variety of other growing industry sectors."