MINNEAPOLIS – (Jan. 24, 2023) – Wallin Education Partners (Wallin) and Mortenson today announced the new Mortenson Scholarship for students pursuing a career in construction through Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis. The scholarship is designed to support students from low-income backgrounds in the Twin Cities area and creates a specific pathway leading to a full-time position at Mortenson upon graduation.
 
“Partnering with a highly respected company like Mortenson that shares our belief in equal access to education will provide students with a unique opportunity to prepare for a career in construction - a fast growing and dynamic industry,” said Susan Basil King, President and CEO at Wallin Education Partners. “We believe this scholarship will open doors for many underrepresented students in our community that will lead to a unique degree and a family-sustaining career.”
 
The Mortenson Scholars program will award up to $30,000 towards a two-year program to five selected students starting college full-time in Fall 2023 at Dunwoody and who are pursuing a degree in Construction Project Management or Architectural Drafting & Design. The Mortenson Scholarship combined with federal and state aid is anticipated to cover 100 percent of tuition and fees. Mortenson Scholars will also work part-time at Mortenson while pursuing their degree and will engage in a full-time paid internship at Mortenson between their first and second year of college. Mortenson team members will provide mentorship and support throughout the program, which will be a pathway towards becoming a full-time team member of Mortenson upon graduation from Dunwoody.
 
“Construction is an exciting and dynamic career field that will only continue to thrive,” said Mark Sherry, executive vice president at Mortenson and a Dunwoody alumnus and Board of Trustees member. “It’s our job to show the next generation they can find a career in an industry that is not only ready for them, but is also aligned with their passions, talents, and desires for a fulfilling professional future. Our goal is for this pathway to open those doors to long-lasting opportunities.”
 
“Dunwoody is proud to partner with Mortenson and Wallin on this meaningful initiative, which will help provide more students with a pathway to both a degree and a career in the high-demand construction field,” said Dunwoody President Rich Wagner, Ph.D. “We are committed to helping students from underserved and under-represented backgrounds access a brighter future through a Dunwoody education and partnerships like this help move the dial on closing the opportunity and the skills gaps.”

Federated Insurance® recently announced a transformational scholarship investment to help serve students at Owatonna High School through Wallin Education Partners (Wallin). In its 30th year, Wallin provides a combination of financial aid, individualized advising, and access to career opportunities for students from lower-income backgrounds to help ensure degree completion.

Wallin’s model has proven highly effective. Through comprehensive programing focused on removing barriers to success in higher education, Wallin significantly increases the likelihood of college graduation for its scholars. To date, Wallin EP has supported over 6,000 scholars with an average six-year graduation rate of 90% for the past eight years. 

“We have been so impressed with Wallin EP and believe in their mission that when scholars rise, we all rise, and we can build equitable communities one scholar at a time,” said Jeff Fetters, chairman of Federated Insurance. “We believe in supporting inspiring initiatives that promote equity and reinforce our dedication to youth mentoring that can make a meaningful difference within underrepresented communities. Wallin is an excellent example of an organization that does this work well.”

Representatives from Wallin and Federated Insurance met with Owatonna High School educators this month to announce this newly established scholarship for Owatonna High School students. Owatonna High School Principal Kory Kath noted, “Owatonna High School is so fortunate to have Federated Insurance in our community standing ready to ensure our students are career and college ready. We are excited to partner with them and Wallin in order to support students on their journey to post-secondary success. There are so many students that have shown amazing potential in their education and deserve an investment to make it happen. This is our commitment and opportunity to make it a reality!“

Federated Insurance has committed to supporting 25 scholars - five students for the next five years who will receive a multi-year scholarship to a four-year institution.    

“We are thrilled that with the generous support of Federated Insurance, Wallin can extend its program to serve the community of Owatonna,” said President and CEO of Wallin, Susan Basil King. “This new scholarship will support Owatonna students who are ready for college, yet face barriers that can be overcome through financial aid and comprehensive support. Owatonna will be the third community outside of the Twin Cities to partner with Wallin and we are very excited to begin our work together,” she added.

Wallin’s effective model for providing support is helping to pave the way for students as they seek to achieve their education goals. Federated Insurance is proud to partner with Wallin to provide opportunities for these deserving students in the Owatonna community.

About Federated Insurance
Founded in 1904, Federated Insurance is a national insurance and risk management organization that serves the property, casualty, and life insurance needs of clients in select industries. The organization has more than 500 recommendations from state, regional, and national associations and buying groups and is rated A+ (Superior) by industry analyst A.M. Best®.
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About Wallin Education Partners
Founded in 1992, Wallin Education Partners (501(c)(3) organization) is a highly effective college-completion program that  combines financial aid with a comprehensive, individualized, advising support, and college to career services to ensure degree completion. In 2022 Wallin serves 1450 students who are pursuing two-year and four-year degrees. Wallin partners with 68 high schools in the Twin Cities Metro area, and Austin, MN, Granite Falls, MN and Owatonna, MN.

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