In partnership with Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, Amy and Pete Hanson gift $100,000 in tuition to support students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in STEM.
October 04, 2017 –(PR.com)– Hanson Consulting Group CEO, Amy Hanson, and husband Pete will meet twenty-seven Hanson Scholarship recipients on Oct. 5. The Hansons, in partnership with the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship program and Central Washington University, will be holding a Scholarship Reception for students at the Central Washington University campus in celebration of their scholarships.
Hanson, a CWU Alumna and Foundation Board member, and her husband gifted $100,000 ($50,000 in 2016 and 2017), through the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) program, to kick-start the Hanson Scholarship Program. The Hanson gift will support 78 students from low-income families in earning their bachelor’s degrees.
WSOS is a unique state-wide legislative program geared toward supporting students earning bachelor’s degrees in science, technology, engineering, math and health care fields at local colleges and universities. Established in 2011, it is one of the first programs of its kind to bridge the gap between private and public funding. Privately gifted funds receive a 100% match by the State. The Hanson’s scholarship gift, matched through the WSOS program, provided a total gift of $200,000 to cover two years of tuition per Hanson Scholar. Hanson will continue gifting $50,000 annually to support the scholars as they progress through the remainder of their college programs.
“The decision for the Hanson Scholarship Program to go through WSOS was the right one. They have an amazing platform to raise awareness of the benefits of investing in supporting local students in achieving their education,” said Hanson. “Beyond tuition assistance, WSOS provides additional resources and tools to help prepare students for success beyond the classroom as they enter into our local workforce. As a private scholarship fund, it is really important to me that the money gifted impacts as many students as possible. The dollar-by-dollar match by the State is unparalleled to any other foundation or scholarship program in the country.”
Heading into her tenth year of business, Hanson started the company with just $1,000 and comes from her own humble and challenging beginnings. As one of the first members of her family to attend college, school was always considered a “safe place.” Hanson attended CWU where she earned her degree in Accounting, which later led her to a flourishing career at Microsoft, followed by the creation of her own company.
Hanson’s passion for scholarships and education has become a philanthropic focus for the entire Hanson Consulting Group organization. Employees will participate in all-aspects of the Hanson Scholarship Program including mentorship, job shadowing and interview coaching.
“I have found my passion which is helping students succeed in reaching their educational and professional dreams. I’m so thrilled at how this has taken shape and am extremely proud that our employees can take part in this initiative to make a broader impact on our community. Crystalizing this scholarship program as part of the company’s values and culture allows us to participate in a larger discussion about the importance of supporting our local youth and economies. We look forward to joining these students on their journeys,” said Hanson.
About Hanson Consulting Group:
Headquartered in Kirkland, Wash. HCG is a team of talented highly-skilled professionals specializing in gaming and entertainment, finance, operations, IT and solutions delivery and managed services. HCG is a 100% woman owned and operated business that is backed by a team of talented professionals that all share in the belief that success is achieved by sticking to the basics; working hard, being authentic, and surrounding yourself with great people. HCG has been recognized by Seattle Business Magazine as a Top 100 Businesses to Work For, been named one of PSBJ’s Top Women-Owned Business list three years and counting and was recognized as one of PSBJ’s Best Places to Work.
