BENTON HARBOR — Lake Michigan College recently announced a new scholarship for the 2018-2019 academic year.

The Women in Business, Computers and Engineering scholarship was established to help female residents of Berrien County who are pursuing degrees in business, computer information systems or engineering. The $1,000 scholarship will help students pay for tuition, fees and books.

According to a recent report by the Kauffman Foundation, women are “half as likely to start their own business,” although research demonstrates that “women make great entrepreneurs.” Additionally, a January 2018 analysis by Pew Research Center indicates that while STEM jobs have grown significantly since 1990, the number of women in these jobs has remained at half of their male counterparts. Of all STEM jobs, which include health and life science-related jobs, the number of women in engineering roles averages at fourteen percent, and the number of women in computer-related jobs has decreased since 1990, from 32 percent to 25 percent.

“Business and technology degrees can result in lucrative careers, whether a woman plans to work for an employer or start her own business. The aim of this scholarship is to help women realize their dreams in these disciplines,” stated the donor.

“Lake Michigan College is extremely fortunate to have donors that, by establishing scholarships, provide students the opportunity to reach their educational goals, whether to seek credentials and enter the job market or continue their education at a 4-year institution,” said Lake Michigan College Foundation Executive Director Mary Klemm.

To apply for this and other LMC scholarships, visit lakemichgiancollege.edu/scholarships.

To donate a scholarship gift, contact Rita Whise at (269) 927-6278 or rwhise@lakemichigancollege.edu. For more information, visit lakemichigancollege.edu/foundation.