FORTÉ Announces Next-Gen Scholarship Program in Wisconsin
Scholarships to be awarded to students studying science, technology, engineering, and math courses at three Wisconsin Technical College System schools
MINNEAPOLIS / MILWAUKEE – Sept. 14, 2021 – FORTÉ, one of the largest technology systems integrators in the United States, today announced the creation of the new FORTÉ Next-Gen Scholarship Program. The program supports students enrolled at technical and community colleges who are studying science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses. The company will formally announce the program at its FORTÉ LIVE – Milwaukee customer event at American Family Field on Sept. 15.
Waukesha County Technical College, Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, and Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville will receive the inaugural scholarship awards. Each technical college will receive $3,000 from FORTÉ, which will then be awarded to students in need.
"The average annual cost for a Wisconsin resident to attend technical college is $5,257 per year before grants and loans are applied," Michael Shiels, Dean, School of Applied Technologies at Waukesha County Technical College. "In some cases, the financial burden limits what a student can do each semester. STEM scholarship opportunities from companies like FORTÉ enable students to afford an education and move on to careers in technology. We're very grateful to FORTÉ for creating a program focused on technology programs."
Combined, the three technical colleges enroll more than 10,300 students each year – many of whom choose to study science, information technology and other STEM-focused courses. More than 90% of those who graduate with a technical college degree are employed within six months of graduation.
"FORTÉ strives to create better outcomes for our customers, but we also apply this goal in the communities we serve," said Jane Phillips, Area Vice President in Wisconsin for FORTÉ. "These STEM scholarships give students the support they need when they need it most – and help ensure that the workforce of the future is well prepared."
Founded in 1974, FORTÉ has grown into a top-three systems integrator in the United States and completes more the 3,500 projects for customers around the globe every year. As an employee-owned company, all 600-plus employees have a stake in each client's success. The company operates from 20 locations in the United States and serves as a regional business unit for the GPA. FORTÉ holds itself to high standards and commits to using technology and systems to create human impact and deliver better outcomes.
