The Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center is fundraising $10 million for debt-free scholarships, the center announced.
Money raised will provide scholarships to juniors and seniors from partner high schools, as well as qualifying low-income Douglas County residents, to attend Peaslee Tech and incur no debts.
“The Peaslee Promise Endowment Fund will ensure technical training remains accessible and affordable for generations,” Peaslee Tech CEO Kevin Kelley said in a news release. “It’s an investment in high-skilled, high-income careers for our community.”
Peaslee Tech received its first major donation in March — a $100,000 gift from Robert and Lois Hanzlik.
Kelley appointed Megan Hill to lead the “Peaslee Promise Campaign” as executive director of endowment. Hill previously served as director of donor engagement for the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence and holds more than a decade of related experience, according to a news release.
“I believe everyone deserves dignity and purpose through a meaningful career,” Hill said in the release. “As a parent of a Peaslee alum, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative these programs can be. My son’s experience in the HVAC program helped launch his successful career right here in Lawrence.”
The Douglas County Community Foundation manages the endowment. Tax-deductible charitable contributions to the Peaslee Promise Endowment Fund can be made through the foundation’s website or by mailing a check to the Douglas County Community Foundation, Attn: Peaslee Promise Endowment Fund, 900 Massachusetts St., Suite 406, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Learn more about Peaslee Tech on its website, peasleetech.org, or call Kelley at 785-856-1801 ext. 101.
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Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
