Pierce County Awards $87,500 in Education Scholarships

Students in Pierce County, Wisconsin have four days left to apply for scholarships that could put $87,500 into the hands of people chasing their educational goals.

The St. Croix Valley Foundation is accepting applications through March 15 for the McKernon Scholarship, which will award $2,500 to 30 to 35 students pursuing their first college degree. The scholarship welcomes both high school seniors and adults returning to school after time away, with special priority for Elmwood High School seniors and non-traditional students.

"This scholarship was created to help local students take the next step toward their educational goals," said Heidi Herron, Grants and Scholarships Manager at the Foundation. "Whether you're graduating from Elmwood High School this spring or returning to school to pursue a degree, we encourage Pierce County residents with financial need to apply."

The only requirements are living in Pierce County, demonstrating financial need, and working toward a first postsecondary degree. No matter where life has taken applicants before now, the door is open.

The Ripple Effect

The McKernon Scholarship is just one piece of the Foundation's commitment to education in the region. Last year alone, the organization awarded $485,232 in scholarships to 234 students attending 52 different colleges and universities.

That support came from a single, simple application process designed to remove barriers. Instead of students spending hours filling out dozens of forms, they complete one universal application that connects them to multiple scholarship opportunities.

The impact reaches far beyond individual students. When financial barriers fall, entire families and communities benefit from the education, skills, and opportunities that follow.

Students interested in applying can visit scvfoundation.org/scholarships or contact Heidi Herron at hherron@scvfoundation.org with questions. The March 15 deadline gives Pierce County residents one more chance this year to access education funding that could change their future.