Support future college student dreams through annual Locally Grown Scholarship Breakfast

Support future college student dreams through annual Locally Grown Scholarship Breakfast

When prospective students apply to the Self Sufficiency Program (SSP) at UW-La Crosse, their responses often go beyond specific educational or career goals involving programs, schools, or salaries. Instead, they articulate deep desires for a new way of life.

"I just got out of an abusive relationship and have had time to reflect on where my life is going. SSP is a start down the path I envision," one applicant shared.

"I just want to matter more in life and to feel good about myself. I want to tell my daughters their mom did this for them," said another.

"I'm in a place in my life where I need to do something different. I don't want a job; I want a career - something I hold near and dear to my heart," another applicant wrote.

The Self Sufficiency Program at UW-La Crosse is dedicated to helping students nurture dreams like these and turn them into reality. This free pre-college initiative provides valuable resources, from exploring academic and career interests to understanding admissions and financial aid, all while building essential skills and confidence for the next steps in their educational journeys.

The upcoming SSP Locally Grown Scholarship Breakfast will be from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, in The Bluffs Ballroom, Student Union at UWL. This annual gathering honors the resilience of SSP students and acknowledges the generous support from donors and friends.

Attendees will enjoy a delicious breakfast while listening to inspiring stories that highlight the transformative power of education. Donations collected during the breakfast will help fund scholarships for SSP students as they navigate their critical early semesters in college.

This year's breakfast will feature a special presentation titled "Dreams by Degrees: A Conversation," with guests Stacy Rommel and Jen Scaccio sharing their reflections on education, aspirations, and community.
Rommel first applied to SSP ten years ago, determined to embark on a journey she felt destined to start. Well into her recovery, Rommel was paying it forward as a sponsor, jail volunteer, and writer of recovery songs. A dream grew stronger and in 2019, Rommel earned her associate degree from UWL, using her creativity and newfound confidence to turn dreams into action.

Jen Scaccio joined SSP two decades ago as a new mother. After earning her associate degree at Western, she went on to receive a Bachelor of Social Work from Viterbo in 2009. Today, she passionately advocates for others at New Horizons, where her commitment to community welfare continues to shine.

The conversation will be moderated by Jodi Vandenberg-Daves, Ph.D., former chair of UWL's Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies department.

As National Student Parent Month draws to a close and a new academic year begins, it's important to recognize the unique challenges student parents face. Balancing parenting, coursework, and employment can lead to time poverty, impacting their overall success and well-being.

"UWL's Self-Sufficiency Program is an advocate for student parents," said Terry Lilley, Ph.D., chair of UWL's Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies department. "We are deeply grateful for our donors' generous support, which helps make students' dreams come true and fosters a hopeful future."

The breakfast is free, but registration is required by October 10, 2024. Free parking will be available at UWL Parking Ramp (levels 1-3) located at 1623 Farwell Street, La Crosse, with a volunteer on-site to assist attendees.

Register for the breakfast and parking.
For any questions, contact Alec Lass at [email protected] or call 608.785.8357.