Western Nevada College News
Pennington Scholarship Helps Students Pursue Pertinent Careers
Dec 20, 2022
The William N. Pennington Foundation Career and Technical Education Scholarship provides
students at Western Nevada College with the opportunity to pursue meaningful careers
in a variety of in-demand fields like welding, automotive, healthcare and manufacturing.
At the same time, the scholarship supports the well-being of the local community by
providing employers with a skilled workforce.
For the scholarship recipients, it’s an opportunity to redefine their professional
careers and transform their lives by learning new skills to obtain meaningful employment
in Northern Nevada.
That’s certainly been the case for Joshua Schaffer, who is completing his military
service in the United States Navy and is seeking a new career. Through the Navy’s
SkillBridge program, Schaffer is able to attend WNC and explore a new career before
separating from the military. However, as a participant in the SkillBridge program,
he forfeits tuition assistance from the military. Fortunately for Schaffer, the Pennington
Scholarship has made it possible for him to pursue a firefighting career as part of
WNC’s new fire science program.
“This program has taught me the fundamentals of the fire department and has provided
me with a launching pad for the fire industry,” Schaffer said. “Furthermore, and most
importantly, this program has eased my stress levels during this transition process
from military to civilian life. If it wasn't for the Pennington Scholarship, I would
not have been able to enroll in these classes and discover this new career opportunity.
“I owe a debt of gratitude to the Pennington Foundation. If it wasn't for this scholarship,
I would undoubtedly be stressed to the max and would never have had the opportunity
to learn more about this career field. Thank you, William N. Pennington Foundation!”
For Uwe Kleinhempel, the generosity of the scholarship has enabled him to focus on
learning his new career pathway in advanced manufacturing instead of trying to juggle
employment during his education.
“I am grateful for the Pennington Scholarship and the sponsors' incredible generosity,”
Kleinhempel said. “Having this scholarship means a lot to me. It has enabled me to
pursue my college education in paying my educational expenses, and it will allow me
to concentrate more of my time on studying.”
William N. Pennington’s investment in students has also opened Kleinhempel’s eyes
about paying this goodwill forward in the future.
“I thank them for their kindness and support in enabling this opportunity! I promise
to study hard and give back to others, possibly providing a scholarship for future
students like myself,” he said.
To be considered for the scholarship, individuals need to show financial need and
a willingness to improve their careers, aspire for a job promotion or train for a
new profession.
Because of the generosity of the William N. Pennington Foundation, Western Nevada
College is able to offer scholarship funding to students to pursue meaningful careers
in fields such as computer information technology/cybersecurity, fire science, welding,
automotive, machine tool technology, manufacturing, construction, truck driving, phlebotomy,
nursing and emergency medical services careers.
Apply for the scholarship at wnc.edu/scholarship. Learn more about what WNC offers
academically at wnc.edu or arrange a time to speak with a counselor at 775-445-3267.