Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) would like to congratulate the winner of the $1,000 Veterans Assist Scholarship from Tuition Options: Joshua Van Dyke! Josh began his career training in the Welding & Pipefitting Program at MTI’s East Peoria, Illinois campus in February of this year, and is expected to graduate this December.
Josh served as a U.S. Navy sailor from 2008-2013, specifically as of his Honorable Discharge he is AO3 (AW) Van Dyke, who had orders to the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA)-136 Knighthawks, a part of Carrier Air Wing One attached to the USS Enterprise.
In his scholarship essay, Josh described the comradery he experienced as an Aviation Ordnanceman in a squadron, and the importance of working toward a shared goal. After his service, Joshua worked many different jobs trying to find a career path he was passionate about. His mother had trained to become a welder, so he had an interest in the skilled trades. After doing some research, he decided to enroll in the Welding & Pipefitting Program at MTI.
His goal after graduation is, “to have a chance to renew himself with a well-paying career that some military veterans never got.” Most importantly, he looks forward to “the potential opportunity to provide and care for my fiancé, her 16-year-old daughter, and our 6-month-old son.”
MTI’s Campus President Paul Schaefer presented Josh with his scholarship certificate in front of his instructors Josh Gillam, Nathan Dodson, Bowen Casper, and Chad Hilbert, as well as his family, including his mother Marsha Hasty on Wednesday, March 24th, 2021.
His fiancé Amanda shared her excitement for Josh, saying: “We are so very proud of you, the service you gave to our country, and now the career path you have chosen. We can’t wait to see what the future holds and the greatness you will achieve.”
MTI would like to thank you for service, Josh and say congratulations! We are proud of your commitment to your career training, and your demonstration of MTI’s core values, including positive attitude, respect, initiative, dedication, excellence-P.R.I.D.E.
The Veterans Assist Scholarship is offered by Tuition Options to MTI for an actively enrolled military veteran. All scholarship applicants completed an essay, and the scholarship recipient was chosen by a committee. The scholarship recipient must be currently enrolled at MTI, a verified veteran and presently in good academic and disciplinary standing (B average or better and 90% attendance or better).