TMCC Machining and Welding student Allysa Stornelli is earning her way toward two college degrees that will be life-changing thanks, in part, to scholarships funded by the William N. Pennington Foundation. These scholarships, available for students interested in pursuing one of many degrees in the Technical Sciences division, are available for students who, like Stornelli, are ready to take their first steps into a new, dynamic and high-paying, high-demand career.
Stornelli, a single mother of three children, came to TMCC in order to become self-sufficient and to create a better life for her family. After separating from her husband—the primary wage earner of the household—she earned her GED while in a family shelter. “When I finally got my GED, [I realized] that wasn’t enough to get a job that paid enough to give my boys the lives they deserve,” she said. This inspired her to enroll at TMCC, where she began her pursuit of an Associate of Applied Science degree in Welding. She also currently works in the Learning Resource Center in the William N. Pennington Applied Technology Center.
In Spring 2021, however, Stronelli was able to pursue an additional Associate of Applied Science degree in Machining thanks to a scholarship funded by the William N. Pennington Foundation. This opportunity is available for students interested in the technical sciences, which includes certificates and degrees in auto, diesel, HVAC, welding, advanced manufacturing, and many more. “By receiving this scholarship, I will be able to continue to focus on my coursework and finish with a high GPA,” she said. “I will finally be able to start a career in which I will be able to support my children on my own; for this I am forever grateful. This really means the world to me.”
Thanks to generous donors, scholarship funding can help students to cover most if not all associated costs, including tuition, books and supplies.
Get a Degree, Start a New Career
Like Stronelli, many northern Nevadans have faced employment challenges due to the changing situation over the past year, while traditionally strong industries have suffered a setback and are taking time to recover. This has left many workers either without a job or looking to start a career in a new industry.
Nicole Tharp, who is working on her Associate of Applied Science in Automation and Robotics, said the scholarship is enabling her to live the life she has always dreamed of. “A couple of years ago the thought of going back to school was unfathomable,” she said. “However, with hard work and dedication, I am on schedule to graduate in just two semesters! It amazes me how far I have come. With the help of the Pennington Applied Technologies Scholarship, I will be able to put all my focus on my academics without the added stress of [additional] financial burdens.”
Stronelli and Tharp offer examples of how these available scholarships can impact your educational and professional journey. If you plan on staying in Northern Nevada and you’re interested in one of the many certificates and degree programs in the Technical Sciences division, you may very well qualify for one of these available scholarships.
First-generation HVAC student Jad Fricke is working toward his degree this semester, thanks to this scholarship opportunity. “Without the help I’ve received from scholarships and grants, I would never have been able to attend college to pursue my degree in HVAC and become the first in my immediate family to attend college,” Fricke said. “No one in my household has ever completed high school or attended a college. I will be the first out of my two brothers, two sisters, mother, and father to obtain a degree.”
Steps to Apply
If you’re ready to start a new career in automotive, diesel, HVAC, welding, advanced manufacturing, architecture and others housed at the William N. Pennington Applied Technology Center, follow these simple steps, below. The spring semester—and your new career—begin on Jan. 25. Don’t hesitate to make the change you’ve been waiting for. With scholarships available for applicants just like you, you have nothing left to lose. But don’t wait too long: applications must be received by February 5 and scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Apply to the college. In order to register for classes, you’ll need to apply to be a student at TMCC. The online application takes mere minutes. Once you receive notification (via email) that your application has been approved, begin step two.
- Apply for the TMCC Foundation Scholarships. As a TMCC student, you’re eligible for a host of scholarships, including scholarships for students interested in the Technical Sciences division.
- After you have completed both applications, the TMCC Foundation will notify you if you have been awarded.
For more information, contact the TMCC Foundation at 775-673-7127.