Associated Banc-Corp and Associated Wealth Management, long time supporters of Scholarships, Inc., recently presented a check for $10,000 from the Associated Foundation to support the 2011 Lamp of Knowledge program.

Associated and Scholarships, Inc. have a long history dating back 49 years. In 1962 a high school social studies teacher approached John "Jake" Rose, son of the founder of then Kellogg Citizens National Bank and George Burridge, of Nau's Department Store in Green Bay, expressing concern for his graduating students who did not have the financial means to attend college. In their philanthropic mindset, Rose and Burridge, along with a committee of dedicated community members, created Scholarships, Inc., a 501©3 organization that attracts, administers, and distributes financially meaningful scholarships to qualified and worthy students in pursuit of a college education.

Associated has been a strong supporter ever since.

"In 1962, Scholarships, Inc. raised $7,500 and provided 16 full scholarships," said Joanne Angeli, Executive Director, Scholarships, Inc. "In 2011, $430,000 is providing 170 scholarships. Student financial need is greater than ever."

Scholarships are available to students in 13 high schools across Brown County and five high schools in Door County. Other donor directed scholarships are also available to students within a 17 county area of Northeastern Wisconsin.

"Associated is pleased to support such a strongly rooted program in our bank's history," said Tim Lau, President, Associated Trust Company. "As Kellogg Citizens National Bank played a huge role in the development of Scholarships, Inc., we felt it was important to carry on that level of support when Associated acquired Kellogg in 1970."

"There are many financial barriers that keep worthy students from attending college, and it's through the support of organizations like Associated that Scholarships, Inc. is possible," said Angeli.

Tim Lau (left), President, Associated Trust Company, presents a check to Joanne Angeli (right), Executive Director, Scholarships, Inc.