Smalley Steel Ring Company establishes CLC scholarship
Through the support of Lake Zurich-based Smalley Steel Ring Company, the College of Lake County Foundation has established a new scholarship for CLC students in the Computerized Numerical Controls and Mechatronics Technology programs.
Applications for the scholarship will be accepted starting in February.
Smalley Steel Ring of Lake Zurich, a world leader in manufacturing and developing Spirolox retaining rings, constant section rings and wave springs, will be heavily invested in the success of the selected recipients, providing internship opportunities, paving the path toward obtaining a job upon completion, according to Brad Peters, director of manufacturing for the company.
"Smalley Steel Ring wants to partner and establish a relationship with CLC that not only builds our brand, but also creates relationships with students. In addition to helping students financially, it will also provide internships and direct relationships with people at our company who want to help and support them," said Jess Guidici from Smalley's human resources recruiting team.
The Smalley Steel Ring Company Scholarship will be awarded annually to one student and will cover tuition, fees, books and other required course fees incurred to complete an Associate in Applied Science degree or certificate in CNC or Mechatronics Technology.
Though applications will be accepted starting in February, the scholarship will be awarded beginning with the fall 2015 semester.
According to Peters, the company will be heavily invested in the success of the scholarship recipients, providing internship opportunities, paving the path toward obtaining a job upon completion of the program.
"We are very excited about Smalley Steel Ring's support of the College of Lake County and our students," CLC President Jerry Weber said. "Having close relationships with employers is essential for us in supporting our local economy and preparing students for thriving careers."
Weber and Michael Stevens, Lake County Partners president and CEO, have been hosting a series of breakfast meetings with area employers to explore ways the college can work with them to support their workforce development needs.
"We have launched a Skills Network to connect employers with skilled workers: our students," Weber said. "We want employers to know that we have qualified workers or that we will work with our partners such as the Workforce Investment Board to find them skilled workers."
Following one of the breakfast meetings, Smalley Steel Ring approached the college and the CLC Foundation with the idea of establishing a scholarship.
Students can get more information and an application for the foundation scholarship in February 2015 through the CLC Scholarships website.
The College of Lake County Foundation raises money to fund scholarships and grants that provide CLC students an opportunity for a better future. Through these efforts, the foundation strengthens the vitality and well-being of the diverse communities served by the college.
To learn more about the foundation, visit www.clcillinois.edu/foundation or call (847) 543-209.
To learn how CLC is partnering with local manufacturing companies to provide skilled workers, visit www.clcillinois.edu/skills-network.