The new SC Johnson STEM Scholars Pathway program, made possible through a $5.5 million grant to Gateway Technical College, is dedicated to providing women and people of color, who have historically been underrepresented in STEM industries, and those with limited means the opportunity to gain a four-year degree in STEM-related career fields.  

The program will serve at least 180 high school graduates who live within the Racine (Wis.) Unified School District and attend a high school within Racine County. A total of 18 scholarships will be awarded annually for the next 10 years to female students, underrepresented students of color and low-income students enrolling in the following programs at Gateway Technical College: Electrical Engineering Technology; Architectural-Structural Engineering Technician; IT-Data Analytics Specialist; IT-Cybersecurity Specialist; IT-Network Specialist; IT-Web Developer; and IT-Software Developer. After completing their Gateway degree, students can enroll at Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), Carthage College or Concordia University Wisconsin to complete their bachelor’s degree.   

SC Johnson, through its charitable foundation, SC Johnson Giving, will contribute $1.1 million to the Gateway Foundation every year for the next five years. Students will receive $7,500 annually for four years to pay for costs at Gateway and MSOE, Carthage College or Concordia University Wisconsin, including tuition, books, supplies and additional services. The four-year institutions have pledged a matching annual amount of $7,500 for each student in addition to the SC Johnson STEM Scholars Pathway scholarship. Beyond the scholarships, the funds will provide access to support services for the students which include tutoring, counseling and community networking services at each of the institutions. 

“MSOE is extremely proud of our partnership with Gateway Technical College,” said MSOE President John Walz. “Our first transfer agreement with Gateway was signed nearly 20 years ago and we are excited about strengthening and expanding the relationship using this very generous support from SC Johnson.”  

For further details visit www.gtc.edu/stem-scholars.