The Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Foundation, in partnership with Kenosha Unified School District and Racine Unified School District, will present the PowerUp College and Resource Fair from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, 900 Wood Road.
PowerUp connects students and their families to area colleges, universities, employers, and community organizations to help them plan for life after graduation. Students will hear directly from area college presidents about how education connects to real-world career opportunities. The event also marks the beginning of the Mahone Foundation college scholarship application season.
The event is open to all high school juniors and seniors from KUSD and RUSD schools, as well as Christian Life School, Racine Lutheran High School, Shoreland Lutheran High School, St. Catherine’s High School, St. Joseph Catholic Academy, and the Prairie School. Underrepresented and low- to moderate-income students are strongly encouraged to attend.
“The PowerUp College and Resource Fair is an excellent opportunity for our students and families to explore their futures and discover how to make their dreams a reality,” said KUSD Superintendent Dr. Jeff Weiss. “By bringing the right people and resources together, we can ease the stress of post-high school planning and make it an exciting journey for everyone involved.”
RUSD Superintendent Soren Gajewski says the PowerUp College Resource Fair and a strong partnership with the Mahone Foundation help students see that their future holds endless possibilities. “By connecting them with the right resources and guidance, we’re empowering every student to take bold steps toward college, careers, and lifelong success,” Gajewski said. “The Mahone Foundation has a history of putting students first. At Racine Unified, we’re proud to build upon the Foundation’s community legacy.”
Mahone Foundation Chairman Tim Mahone sees connections with KUSD, RUSD, and other area high schools as essential to expanding the Mahone Foundation’s mission. “Our goal has always been enhancing educational and career opportunities for area youth,” Mahone said. “Our collaboration is special in that it highlights a commitment to maximizing access to resources. It is, after all, the resources that create viable and realistic pathways for students to attend a college or university of their choice. Another key element for students attending PowerUp is a greater and clearer appreciation for the variety of career options and how education opens the doors to those opportunities.”
The Mahone Foundation CEO Scholars Panel, supported by the Forest County Potawatomi, features current and past years’ scholarship recipients who will share compelling experiences and insights about college life and career aspirations. “Receiving the CEO scholarship gave me more than financial support. It gave me the belief that it was worth investing in my goals,” said Kalon Bell, 2012 Mahone Scholar. “That encouragement helped me push through challenges in college and shaped the person I am today. Coming back to share my journey is my way of passing that same inspiration on to the next generation. PowerUp meant the world to me.”
The Forest County Potawatomi have always prioritized empowering and educating our youth. “Supporting initiatives like PowerUp ensures that youth in Racine and Kenosha will have the resources and guidance they need to achieve post-secondary success,” said Forest County Potawatomi Chairman Brooks Boyd Sr. “We are proud to continue to support the Mahone Foundation and communities that share a historical, cultural, and present-day connection to the Potawatomi.”
Workshop topics include:
● Financial Literacy: Financial Preparation for College and Beyond
● Career Exploration: Finding the Right Fit
● HBCU College Admission and College Tour Workshop
● College Admissions Process from A-Z.
“We are excited to provide a platform for our families to learn about college opportunities and the financial resources to make those opportunities affordable,” said Sabrina Morgan, Mahone Foundation Community Engagement Manager. “The PowerUp College and Resource fair not only kicks off the CEO College scholarship application period but inspires our students to seek internships and pursue their dreams.”
This year alone, the Mahone Foundation, along with academic and community partners, has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to deserving students from Kenosha and Racine.
Back by popular demand, the event will feature the “Battle of the Mascots” – a friendly dance-off among school mascots. Last year’s trophy went to Park High School, and this year’s competitors include many of the top high school and college mascots from the area.
To register or learn more about participating, colleges or vendors, visit mahonefund.org. For more details, contact Tim Mahone at chairman@mahonefund.org or Sabrina Morgan at morgans@gtc.edu or 262-564-2362.
About the Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Foundation
The mission of the Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Foundation is to provide educational opportunities for economically and academically deserving youth while supporting healthy lifestyle initiatives in communities of color.
