OSU Institute of Technology students Jackson Boswell and Dawson Palesano received the Work Ethic Scholarship from the mikeroweWORKS Foundation to help fund their education.
Boswell is enrolled in the Truck Technician program, and Palesano is enrolled in the Engineering Technologies – Electrical/Electronics Technologies program at OSUIT. Both students began in the fall 2021 trimester.
According to the mikeroweWORKS Foundation website, this scholarship is not for the average person. They explain this scholarship is intended for those who show up early, stay late and work hard day in and day out.
Boswell, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, wanted a program that would teach him a trade and offer a bachelor’s degree in the same field.
“I chose to enroll in the Truck Technician program at OSUIT because I have been surrounded by it my whole life,” said Boswell. “My dad works in the transportation industry, so I’ve always been around trucks and knew at a young age that I wanted to work in this field.”
The Work Ethic Scholarship Program recognizes people who understand the importance of personal responsibility, delayed gratification, a positive attitude and work ethic.
According to the website, the scholarship is designed for “The hardworking people who keep the lights on, water running and air flowing—the next generation of skilled workers who will work smart and hard.”
His high school college counselor, Dr. Deidra Johnson at The Dunham School, told him about the scholarship and encouraged him to apply.
“I applied for this scholarship because it is specifically geared toward trades of all kinds,” he said. “I thought that I would have a better chance of getting a scholarship like this.”
The $9,500 scholarship will cover Boswell’s tuition at OSUIT, allowing him to focus on his education.
“I am grateful and appreciative that there are scholarships specific for trades,” said Boswell. “Winning this scholarship will push me harder in my studies, knowing people are willing to invest in my future.”
To accomplish his ultimate goal of owning a mechanic shop, Boswell plans to work in his field and continue his education at OSUIT. After obtaining his Associate in Applied Science Engineering Technologies – Electrical/Electronics Technologies, he intends on enrolling in the Bachelor of Technology in Applied Technical Leadership at OSUIT.
In 2008, Mike created the mikeroweWORKS Foundation to launch a national PR campaign for skilled labor.
“We’re on a mission to help close the skills gap by challenging the stigmas and stereotypes that discourage people from pursuing the millions of available jobs,” the website boasts. “We’re redefining the definition of a good education and a good job because we don’t think a four-year degree is the best path for most people. We want people to understand the impact of skilled labor on their lives, and we’re convinced that the solution has to start with a new appreciation for hard work.”