Talented network

The Dayton Workforce Partnerships Scholarship Program awarded nine $1,000 Retention of Talent scholarships this year. One of those recipients was Cameron Foster, a Wright State University freshman majoring in mechanical engineering.

“They’re like my big brother,” said Foster. “They’re like another guidance counselor that you never thought you would have.”

The program connects scholarship recipients to area business partners along with job shadowing, internships and eventually employment opportunities.

Chris Schrameck, the vice president of Winsupply, a Dayton regional supply company and sponsor of Foster’s scholarship, says that the company hopes talented students remain in the area after graduating college.

“We like to sponsor these to put our word out about Winsupply,” said Schrameck. “Hopefully attract these students and retain them in the Dayton area.”

During a scholarship presentation on Oct. 21 in the Joshi Research Center, Foster received an oversized check. He was joined by his family; Schrameck; Rob Messick, Piqua High School principal; and Brian Rigling, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Messick said Foster was selected for the scholarship because of his work ethic in high school. “He studies, he works hard at it,” said Messick. “You look at him and you know this kid is going to be successful.”

Rigling said the Dayton region is full of great possibilities for future engineering graduates like Foster. “I think he’s going to get a great education and he’s going to have a lot of opportunities,” said Rigling.