Skilled trade careers are in high demand in Michigan but the cost of starting a specialized profession can be expensive. Scholarships are hard to find for these in-demand career programs. In addition to paying for tuition, students in vocational programs are often responsible for the additional costs of uniforms, tools, professional membership fees, and more. To support students who are looking to pursue a skilled trade, the Lake Trust Foundation established the New Beginnings Scholarship in 2018.
We’re pleased to announce the winners of the 2020 New Beginnings Scholarship! For the third year in a row, we’re awarding scholarships up to $5,000 each to help students pursue a career in a skilled trade. Scholarship funds can be applied toward tuition costs, trade equipment, professional dues, and/or certifications. Learn more about the impact that this scholarship will make on the lives of our six recipients.
Leena Bekkala: ICU Nurse
Leena Bekkala is a current student at Lansing Community College and plans to transfer to Northern Michigan University in the fall. She’s excited to continue pursuing her professional goals and hopes to work as an ICU nurse one day.
“The New Beginnings Scholarship is a wonderful honor and will help me tremendously as I begin my college career at Northern Michigan University. This scholarship allows me to be encouraged in furthering my education in the nursing field. I am grateful for this opportunity to begin college with the support and help of Lake Trust Credit Union!” says Leena.
Trevonne Beacham: Robotics Technician
Robotic technology sometimes gets a bad reputation, so Trevonne Beacham wants to show people how automation can help pave the way for new jobs and new opportunities. Upon hearing that he was chosen for a New Beginnings Scholarship, he was thrilled at the prospect of being able to make his future plans become a reality.
Trevonne explains, “This scholarship will help me focus on my college education so that I can concentrate on learning and not just on how I am going to pay for school. Being able to pay for college was always a concern because I grew up in a one-parent household. Because of the New Beginnings Scholarship, I am no longer worried about how to afford college to pursue my dreams. I will take advantage of this opportunity to become a Robotics Technician and to one day build robots that will help us all.”
Remy Hobel: Energy Trades
Remy Hobel is a recent graduate of Hartland High School who has his sights set on a career in the energy industry. He’s not sure what the total cost of his education will be yet, but he’s happy to have some assistance to pay for his tuition.
“I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering so the New Beginnings Scholarship will help a lot in achieving that goal. This financial award will help me become a productive member of society,” Remy shares with us.
Matthew Kramer: Welding Engineering Technology
As a college senior, Matthew Kramer is in his final year of the Welding Engineering Technology program. With higher-level courses, however, comes higher costs per credit hour. When hearing that he had won a New Beginnings Scholarship, Matthew expressed his gratitude and said it was the best news that he had received in a while.
“The New Beginnings Scholarship that I have received from Lake Trust Credit Union is a huge blessing and it could not have come at a better time. I am going to be a senior this fall at Ferris State University and I already have a large amount of debt. Winning the New Beginnings Scholarship has eased a large amount of my financial burden, which allows me to focus on finishing out my collegiate career strong,” said Matthew.
Derek Maier: Electromechanical Technology
With most of his tuition covered for the upcoming school year, Derek Maier is excited to start off his college career debt-free.
Derek tells us: “I am very thankful to the Lake Trust Foundation for being chosen for the New Beginnings Scholarship. This scholarship will help cover almost the first full year of my tuition at OCC where I am entering into the Engineering/Manufacturing and Industrial Technology program for the CNC Machinist Associates. I can concentrate on my classes, enjoy the college experience, and earn my degree debt-free!”
Charles Haller: Diesel Mechanic
Charles Haller is entering the automotive industry in the fall by studying to be a diesel mechanic. He’s excited about this new path in life and his scholarship will help him in the pursuit of his goals.
“I will be attending Baker College's Auto Diesel Institute to pursue a degree in Diesel Service Technology. This scholarship will help me with being able to get out of college debt-free and to focus more on excelling in my field of study. It is extremely generous of the New Beginnings Scholarship team to award me this scholarship. I am grateful,” Charles explains.
Time To Celebrate
Congratulations to all of our winners! You worked hard on your applications and we hope your stories inspire others in their future goals. We wish you the best of luck on your educational journey.