Christian Ramos-Peña had a false start with college, lost financial aid and at one point was “pawning off everything he could” to pay for tuition while working seven days a week as a line cook. As part of the second class to go through the Construction Trades Prep Welding pathway at RTC, he found the support he needed to make his career goals a reality.  Counselors with the WISE Grant, which stands for Washington Integrated Sector Employment, assisted Christian with the Foundation’s scholarship application process. He was awarded the Board of Trustees $1,000 scholarship.  

“I’ve never seen him as happy as he was when he got that scholarship,” said Anna Bennett, WISE Grant Manager, “The tuition support allowed him to take Sunday nights off for the first time in a very long time.”

Christian is now graduating with his Certificate of Completion in Welding this quarter and has started work as a Welder – with a significant pay raise.  He has his application in with the Seattle Area Pipe Trades and hopes to become a steamfitter apprentice.

He is grateful for your support of the Foundation’s scholarship program.

You can read more about Christian’s journey here http://www.rtc.edu/rtcstories-welding-transforms-lives