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COMPASS Scholar's Program Provides Opportunity for Student

By Kari Johnson
UW-RF News Bureau

DEC. 10, 2004--A unique opportunity to learn and gain experience exists for students of color through the College of Business and Economics (CBE) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. In a program begun by CBE and the First National Bank of River Falls, the Compass Scholars Annual Scholarship is more than just a scholarship; it is a dream come true for this year's recipient DiAnna Steines.

Steines was encouraged to apply for the scholarship, never thinking she would be selected. "When I received the call that I was chosen, I was very excited," remembered Steines. For Steines, like many students, paying for college was going to be a challenge.

That's where the Compass Scholars Annual Scholarship can help students succeed.

"It's particularly gratifying for UW-RF to witness this excellent new opportunity First National Bank of River Falls is offering students with the Compass Scholars Annual Scholarship," said Dean Barbara Nemecek of the UW-RF College of Business and Economics.

The Compass Scholars Annual Scholarship is for incoming, first-year students interested in majoring in some area within CBE. The recipient must be from Wisconsin and be a minority student.

Whether the student qualifies for the scholarship is dependent upon the student's ability to obtain federal funding. The First National Bank of River Falls makes up the difference between the cost of school and the money the student is not able to acquire through federal funding. In this way, the student is fully funded for all expenses through their first year at the University.

The bank also offers the student a paid internship at the bank for the academic year and during the summer. Work schedules made flexible to accommodate a student's hectic schedule.

"The internship with the First National Bank of River Falls allows the student to utilize knowledge and skills from the classroom in a corporate environment," says Nemecek.

The scholarship is applicable for one full year of academic study and may be renewed each year for a maximum of four years to Wisconsin students of color.

Steines is impressed with the scholarship and feels honored to be part of this opportunity. "This scholarship is helping me through school by taking a load off my shoulders," said Steines, who adds, "I love working at the bank."

This unique scholarship that partners CBE with the First National Bank of River Falls offers benefits for the University, the students and the corporate partners. "This is a tremendous program and contribution by First National Bank of River Falls," says Nemecek. "We hope additional businesses will participate in this type of program supporting and mentoring our future business leaders."

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Last updated: Friday, 10-Dec-2004 14:23:24 CST