For more information, please contact:
Katy Ryder Pettersen, Director of Communications, WMC Foundation
kpettersen@wmc.org
(608) 661-6916 or (608) 516-6684 cell
Steve Benzschawel, Business World Program Director
steve@wibusinessworld.org
(608) 661-6904 or (608) 239-4866 cell
Five High School Students Earn College Scholarships
Madison, WI — The Wisconsin Business World program and the WMC Foundation are honoring five Wisconsin high school students with scholarships to the college of their choice. These $500 scholarships are matched by nearly every two- and four-year college statewide.
Business World was held June 28 – July 1 at Edgewood College in Madison, and July 26 – 29 at UW-La Crosse. It is a four-day camp that brings high school students and business volunteers together on a college campus to learn about the challenges facing our economy. All Business World attendees had the opportunity to apply for the scholarship. Applicants completed an essay that asked them to consider their own personal experience with two companies they have worked with. The essay asked that they compare and contrast the two companies, detailing the strengths and weaknesses of each. The scholarship finalists were interviewed during the Business World camp and the winners were chosen in part for their character, recommendations, grades, past accomplishments and future plans.
The five scholarship recipients are:
* Luke Everson, La Crosse, La Crosse Central – La Crosse County
* Taylor Kerschner, Appleton, Hortonville High School – Outagamie County
* Rachel Veldt, Black Creek, Seymour High School – Outagamie County
* Austin White-Pentony, Fitchburg, Verona High School – Dane County
* Stefanie Yordan, Brookfield, Divine Savior Holy Angels High School – Waukesha County
“It was extremely difficult to choose the scholarship recipients because all of the students who attended this program have very bright futures,” said Steve Benzschawel, Business World Program Director. “The five students who are being awarded this year’s scholarships worked very hard and are deserving of such an honor. They will be very successful in their future endeavors and we are proud that Business World was a part of their experience.”
The 2009 Business World program hosted more than 240 Wisconsin high school students. This opportunity helps students prepare for their future in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Student participants were divided into teams of 10-12, who functioned as an imaginary “company” for the program. With the ultimate task of turning their company into a financial success, they created a unique product, developed marketing strategies, designed a commercial, and wrote a complete business plan. In addition, students interacted with guest speakers, toured local companies and competed in an online business simulation.
Wisconsin Business World is produced by the WMC Foundation, the educational division of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, Wisconsin’s manufacturers association and state chamber of commerce. Since its inception in 1982 more than 13,100 students and 2,500 educators have experienced the program. Visit http://www.wibusinessworld.org for more information.
