Getting laid off from a job is never a fun experience. For Chelsea Kluesner, losing a “very cushy job” at Chrysler gave her the opportunity to explore a new career field, and she chose to enroll in Blackhawk’s Surgical Technology program.

Chelsea is the recipient of the Blackhawk Foundation’s Emergency Assistance Scholarship, which enabled her to continue at Blackhawk.

“It meant more than anyone could imagine,” she said. “If I wouldn’t have gotten this scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to start my program.”

While re-learning things that are applicable at school, the native of Stillman Valley, Illinois, was surprised at how friendly and caring people are at Blackhawk. Chelsea attributes it to a “Wisconsin thing.” 

While every day is a challenge, Chelsea said going to college has given her a chance to pursue her love for healthcare. If not for this scholarship, she doesn’t think it would have been possible.

“Paying for college has been tough. My job paid for the first semester, then 7 months later they took the money back, leaving me in a big bind, hence this scholarship saving basically my life,” she said.

Chelsea plans to graduate in May 2024 and work as a surgical technician before pursuing her bachelor’s degree to eventually become a Physician Assistant.

For more information on scholarships offered at Blackhawk Technical College, visit blackhawk.edu/scholarships.

Blackhawk Fund

The Blackhawk Fund provides annual support for a number of important initiatives at Blackhawk Technical College. This fund provides immediate financial support when students, faculty, and staff need it most. Gifts to the Blackhawk Fund support top priorities such as emergency assistance awards, student textbook aid, tuition support, GED programming, student activities, faculty needs, and other opportunities to lift up the work of the Foundation and the College. The use of the Blackhawk Fund varies from year to year depending on new opportunities and the rising needs of students, faculty, and the College. The Blackhawk Fund provides essential funding that touches every corner of the campus and allows the BTC Foundation to respond with speed and agility to any new areas of need.