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, when combined with federal and state aid, is anticipated to cover 100% of tuition and fees for most recipients.
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.”
About Mortenson
Mortenson is a U.S.-based, top-20 developer, builder and engineering services provider serving the commercial, institutional, and energy sectors. Mortenson’s expanding portfolio of integrated services helps its customers move their strategies forward, ensuring their investments result in high-performing assets. The result is a turnkey partner, fully invested in the business success of its customers. For additional information, visit www.mortenson.com.
About Wallin Education Partners
Wallin Education Partners is a highly effective college-completion program that combines financial aid with comprehensive, individualized, advising support, and college to career services. In addition, scholars meet donors, a unique element that provides additional caring adults who are interested in their success. Wallin currently serves nearly 1,500 students, the majority are students of color and first in their family to attend college. To learn more, please visit www.wallinpartners.org.
About Dunwoody College of Technology
Founded in 1914, Dunwoody College of Technology is the only private, not-for-profit technical college in the Upper Midwest. Having provided hands-on, applied technical education to more than 250,000 individuals, Dunwoody is the college for experimenters and makers, a place where the curious and the confident learn by doing. Located in Minneapolis, Dunwoody offers a unique campus experience in dedicated labs, studios, and shops that treats students like future professionals from day one. With certificates, associate’s, and bachelor’s degrees in more than 46 majors – including engineering, robotics, design and other STEM-related fields – Dunwoody challenges students to come determined and graduate destined. More information on Dunwoody can be found at www.dunwoody.edu.
CONTACTS:
Jean Carlos Diaz
Wallin Education Partners
jeancarlos.diaz@wallinpartners.org
Cameron Snyder
Mortenson
cameron.snyder@mortenson.com