Blackhawk Technical College launches a new diversity and inclusion scholarship to increase employment and educational opportunities for low-income and minority students.

The IDEAL Opportunity Scholarship will start fully funding two students in January and includes a paid internship with community partners, a cost of living stipend and faculty mentorship.

BTC Vice President of Administrative Services Renea Ranguette said student responsibilities outside of class can be a significant barrier to achievement, which is why the supplemental income from this scholarship is so important in her eyes.

The goal is to break the cycle of generational poverty for students in the scholarship by making education more accessible.

“Over the years I have reflected upon the impact that scholarship support has had on my life, but not just mine,” Ranguette said. “It has also altered the trajectory of my children’s lives, and now my grandchildren’s lives.”

Frito Lay, SHINE Medical Technologies and the Janesville Police Department are among those offering paid internship opportunities for these scholarship students.

The school will accept community referrals for the scholarship between September 15 and October 15, with the chosen candidates to be announced in December.