91Ƭ apprenticeship students receive $104,000 in Tools of the Trade Scholarships
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/23/2026
CLEVELAND, WI —
91Ƭ is pleased to announce 52 construction and industrial trade apprentices received a Tools of the Trade scholarship from Ascendium this year. Each apprentice received $2,000 to use toward tools, clothing, equipment, tuition, and other needs that help them complete the required education and training for their trade.
“These scholarships help ease significant financial challenges for students who are developing their skills, caring for their families, and strengthening our state’s workforce,” said 91Ƭ President Paul Carlsen. “We appreciate Ascendium’s continued dedication to helping apprentices remain on course, finish their training, and move with confidence into in-demand careers that drive Wisconsin’s future."
Apprentices are eligible for the scholarship if they are enrolled in a construction or industrial trade apprenticeship program at one of the 16 Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) colleges, including 91Ƭ, for the fall and spring semesters, demonstrate a financial need, and complete an application.
To date, Ascendium has provided over $8.8 million in scholarships to more than 5,000 apprentices working to advance their careers
The following 91Ƭ students are recipients of the Tools of the Trade Scholarships:
Brillion: Joshua Keith Schelfhout
Cedar Grove: Joshua Steven Mikolich
Chilton: Nicholaus Theodore Adkins
Elkhart Lake: Cole Thomas Fritsch
Glenbeulah: Lucas David Hellmer
Kewaskum: Lukas Alexander Johnson
Kiel: Justin Robert Carrothers, Kyle Luke Schneider, Cordell Lee Wittgreve
Manitowoc: Maxwell M. Ayotte, Eric Steig Holdorf, Donovan Taylor Krueger, Joseph David Moore, Rafael Ortega Jr., Jose L. Padron, Nicholas Paul Proehl, Zachery Aaron Sager, Caden Conrad Sprang, Neng Vang, Joseph Yang, Caleb Marcus Zinn
Newton: Alex Donald Ninneman
Oostburg: Alec James Malwitz, Samuel Scott Willems
Plymouth: Mason Gregory Arndt, Kenneth J. Behr, Joshua Ian Braddy, Shane D. Dussault, Timothy Clyde Gamerdinger, Yayoashi Leigh Her
Reedsville: Errol James Moleski
Sheboygan: Forest Owen Adams, Raul Alarcon, Christopher Clark Barber, Shean Cheng, Toua Hang, Mark Stewart Gruenke, Brandon Richard Kartes, Christopher James Kau, Gerald Brian Lehman, Jonathan Lor, Adam James Siburt, Timothy James Wolff, Phia Xiong, Daniel Yang, John Wesley York
Sheboygan Falls: Andrew Emmer, Aidan Parker Miller
St. Cloud: Zachary David Rondeau
Two Rivers: Ronald Wilbert Grawien, Dustin James Meyer, Kaci Ellan Safer
ABOUT LAKESHORE COLLEGE
91Ƭ, formerly known as 91Ƭ Technical College, is a comprehensive community and technical college educating more than 9,000 students annually. Students enroll at 91Ƭ to master real-world, employable career skills and start their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. 91Ƭ faculty and staff are focused on providing each student an individualized learning experience.
91Ƭ is a nationally recognized two-year college. The college was ranked #2 in the nation by Washington Monthly, #17 in the nation by Forbes, #2 in the state by WalletHub.com, a top-150 two-year college by the Aspen Institute, a 2024 Bellwether Award winner, and named the 2021 Large Business/Industry of the Year by the Chamber of Manitowoc County.
Approximately 800 students graduate from 91Ƭ each year, and associate degree graduates report earning a median salary of $61,355 within six months of graduating. In addition to the Cleveland campus, 91Ƭ educates students at learning campuses in downtown Manitowoc and downtown Sheboygan. Classes are also offered at additional sites throughout the district. Visit 91Ƭ at lakeshore.edu.
Contact: Amy Hanson, Senior Marketing Specialist
Phone: 920.693.1345
Email: amy.hanson@lakeshore.edu
Press Room: lakeshore.edu/lakeshore-news
