WCCC Education Foundation donors invest in the future

After several years of exploring different careers, Shelby Strassburger sees her future clearly now, at age 24. The Franklin native is focused on completing her welding course through Warren County Career Center Adult Education in June, and she already has accepted a job with Ferco Tech in Franklin, beginning in May.

Strassburger is one of two adult students chosen for the 2017 WCCC Education Foundation Scholarship of $750. She will use it to offset the cost of her education -- she appreciates every dollar and the support of her instructors who wrote letters of recommendation for her application.

>>> RELATED: Student finds her career path in welding

Jacob McCloud, who graduated from Franklin High School in 2014, thought he would earn a business degree in college and work in management. He took an interest in a coffee shop and received instruction as a corporate trainer, but he said it felt like a dead end. He decided to search for something else, then enrolled in the WCCC Adult Education Electrical Power Line Mechanic program. He sees a stable career, and he enjoys working outdoors and with his hands, rather than being stuck in an office.

McCloud also is a recipient of a 2017 WCCC Education Foundation Scholarship of $750. “It will help bring down my school debt, and it is $750 I never had, so I am very grateful for it,” he said. “My goal is to get out of school and pay off my tuition debt. This scholarship will help me do that.”

>>> RELATED: Power line student sees his future 

High school seniors Mackenzie New, a health science student from Waynesville, and Zach Back, a Franklin resident who is part of the Advanced Technologies & Robotics program, were named recipients of WCCC Education Foundation scholarships, as well. They were surprised with the $750 scholarships at the WCCC Senior Awards Ceremony on May 17.

New is also the WCCC Valedictorian; she will attend Wright State University in the fall and plans to major in elementary education. Back has been accepted into an apprenticeship program at Festo in the field of advanced manufacturing megatronics. Both welcome the extra help as they further their education.

The WCCC Education Foundation provides scholarships for adult and high school students each year. Through fundraisers such as their annual golf outing, the foundation is growing its funds in order to help more students realize their career goals and improve their future.

The 2017 WCCC Education Foundation Golf Outing is set for Monday, June 5, at Heatherwoode Golf Club in Springboro. All proceeds from the event go toward student scholarships and special projects that enhance the educational mission of the career center. Last year's golf outing amassed nearly $10,000, and the foundation's goal is to exceed that number this year.

For more information on how to sponsor the event, or to register to participate, please visit mywccc.org/WCCCFoundation.aspx, or call Kim Fladung at (513) 932-5677 ext. 5280.