New ASSETS program offering 15 $8K scholarships annually
The National Science Foundation awarded Dakota County Technical College a $552,000 Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics grant. The S-STEM grant provides funding for 15 $8,000 scholarships a year over the course of four years for eligible students enrolling or already enrolled in the college’s Nanoscience Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Networking Administration, Information Systems Management and Software Development programs.
Developed to the administer the grants, ASSETS, or Advancing Student Success in Engineering, Science and Technology, will begin offering the scholarships fall semester 2009. Betty Krueger, the DCTC computer careers instructor taking the lead with ASSETS, reported that the scholarships represent a wonderful opportunity for students interested in pursuing careers in her field, nanotech or CET.
An $8,000 scholarship for one year will go a long way in eliminating student debt after graduation.
“The benefits for students don’t stop with financial assistance for tuition, books and other college-related expenses,” Krueger said. “ASSETS also offers extra support services for enrolled students, including tutoring, career advancement counseling, connection with a mentor, and bi-monthly meetings and outing focusing on student success both at DCTC and in their chosen industry.”
Deb Newberry, the director of the DCTC Nanoscience Technology program, was also excited about ASSETS, noting that an $8,000 scholarship for one year would go a long way in eliminating student debt after graduation.
“The ASSETS scholarships are a tremendous opportunity for students looking at careers in nanotechnology,” Newberry said, “which is itself a field filled with tremendous opportunities.”
Newberry went on to say that new nanotechnologists will be entering a scientific field receiving more public funding than any other area of technology. Experts predict that by 2015 the world economy will be enhanced by roughly $1 trillion from products using nanotech. On the job front, more than 2 million workers will hold positions in nanotech industries with at least three times that number filling support roles.
DCTC Civil Engineering Technology Instructor Tim Gillette echoed Newberry’s enthusiasm, pointing to a projected need for trained civil techs in Minnesota that far exceeds the numbers the state’s colleges will be able to produce.
“Delivered in partnership with Hennepin Tech, our new CET program will give our grads the know-how and confidence to be immediate assets to their employers,” Gillette said. “They will find great-paying jobs with engineering consulting firms, municipalities, multinational construction companies and government entities at the state and federal level.”
ASSETS Scholarship Deadline for Fall Semester 2009
- July 15, 2009
How to Apply for an ASSETS Scholarship
All students should complete the General Scholarship Application, which can be accessed through the Scholarship Information & Application Portal. This application is used to consider students for scholarships based on academic merit, service to the college or academic need.
- Scholarship Information & Application Portal
ASSETS Contact Information
- Betty Krueger
651-423-8560
Academic Programs with ASSETS Scholarships
Information Systems Management
This interdisciplinary program combines courses from Networking Administration, Software Development and Information Systems Management to teach a unique blend of networking, programming and management skills. Graduates are prepared to function in small business firms as the sole computer resource person or, matched with entrepreneurial knowledge, start their own computer consulting firms.
- Average Wage: $58.33/hour
- Top Earners: >$70/hour
(Seven-county metro area—iseek.org)
Networking Administration
This program provides students with the knowledge and experience to install and maintain computers, servers, networks and other networking equipment to function in a variety of network environments. Combining a theory-based foundation with hands-on work, students build and manage networks, install software, configure a variety of networking devices, including switches and routers, and troubleshoot problems related to both hardware and software.
- Average Wage: $35.54/hour
- Top Earners: $50.07/hour
(Seven-county metro area—iseek.org)
Software Development
This program prepares students to become computer programmers. Learning an array of programming languages used for software development. Students design, write, debug and test application software. Individual effort and teamwork are developed. Skilled graduates are prepared to provide software solutions for employers.
- Average Wage: $35.54/hour
- Top Earners: $50.07/hour
(Seven-county metro area—iseek.org)
Nanoscience Technology
This program prepares students for careers in the nanobiotech, nanomaterials and nanoelectronics industries. Offered through a partnership with the University of Minnesota, the program gives graduates the skills and knowledge to land jobs in companies and corporations applying nanotechnology to product development, testing, research and development, and manufacturing design.
- Average Starting Salary (Global): $42,662/year
(Small Times survey)
Civil Engineering Technology
This program incorporates state-of-the-art labs and survey equipment along with CAD and other computer applications. Working in a diverse field with excellent employment opportunities nationwide, graduates will be involved in all aspects of management and inspection during the construction process, including the planning and design of buildings, bridges, highways, subdivisions, and commercial and industrial facilities.
Graduates of this program will be perfectly positioned to land jobs with companies poised to take advantage of the infrastructure boom rising on the national horizon. Civil techs with a two-year degree will also be in high demand internationally.
- Average Wage: $25.99/hour
- Top Earners: $34.92/hour
(seven-county metro area—iseek.org)
