Welcome to another episode of Kunes Car Convos, where we ride along with local leaders, changemakers, and visionaries to talk about the incredible work shaping our communities. This time, Mike Lacassio, Regional Fixed Ops Director at Kunes Auto Group, hit the road in the all-new 2025 GMC Denali EV with Jennifer Charpentier, Executive Director of the Gateway Technical College Foundation. Their destination? A conversation about empowering students and igniting our community’s future through education.
What is "Ignite the Future"?
At the center of the conversation is "Ignite the Future", Gateway’s annual fundraising and awareness event hosted by the Gateway Technical College Foundation. More than just a gathering, it’s an evening of inspiration, innovation, and investment in our local talent pipeline.
This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. AJ Sajnipal, a transplant surgeon at Ascension, brings cutting-edge insight into the intersection of AI, big data, and healthcare—a perfect metaphor for how education and technology can work together to predict and build better futures.
Attendees can also enjoy culinary creations from Gateway’s own students, take part in exclusive experience auctions, and hear stories directly from students whose lives have been transformed by the Foundation’s support.
Making College Accessible: Scholarships & Emergency Support
Gateway serves over 18,000 students across Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties, with an astounding 80-85% remaining in the region after graduation. That’s what makes Gateway a true community college—it educates, empowers, and retains the workforce right here at home.
Jennifer highlighted several key financial support programs made possible through the Gateway Foundation:
Scholarships
New Adult Learner Scholarship
For students with no previous Gateway credits, offering awards between $500 and $2,500. Deadline: August 29.
Continuing Student Scholarships
Open from September 1 to October 10, these awards range from $350 to $6,000. Kunes proudly sponsors several of these scholarships for aspiring automotive technicians and more.
The application process is entirely online, and students only need to apply once to be considered for multiple scholarships. It’s a streamlined approach that removes traditional barriers and makes accessing aid easier than ever.
Student Emergency Grants
Unexpected life setbacks—like car trouble or housing emergencies—can derail a student’s journey. Gateway’s emergency grant program, available through conversations with Student Finance Specialists, provides quick assistance to keep students in school and on track.
From auto repairs for commuting students to help with unexpected bills, these grants offer flexible solutions to real-life problems. And the data proves their effectiveness: students who receive scholarships are 30% more likely to graduate.
From Start to Finish: Gateway's Commitment
What sets Gateway apart, as Jennifer passionately pointed out, is their focus on student completion, not just enrollment.
“Starting is easy,” Mike noted. “Finishing is where the challenge lies.”
Jennifer agreed, emphasizing that Gateway strives to be more than an access point—it’s a launchpad for dreams, whether that means landing a well-paying job, transferring to a four-year college, or building a more stable future for one’s family.
First-generation students in particular benefit from Gateway’s wraparound support services, which include tutoring, financial aid guidance, faculty office hours, and a culture of care that encourages students to ask for help and connect with resources early.
A Mission-Fueled Career
Jennifer’s personal journey to Gateway is a testament to her dedication to education. With more than 20 years of fundraising experience and a passion for connecting donors with meaningful causes, she sees her work as transformational.
“I love helping people connect their values to the mission,” she said. “It’s about helping communities thrive.”
Her experience in nonprofit education and communication strategy helped shape her love for two-year colleges like Gateway, where the focus is always local and the outcomes are life-changing.
Driving Toward the Future
From scholarships to emergency assistance to high-tech keynote speakers, Ignite the Future reflects everything Gateway—and the Gateway Foundation—stands for: community, opportunity, and empowerment.
As Mike and Jennifer cruised through the conversation, it became clear that the GMC Denali EV wasn’t the only thing moving forward—the whole region is, thanks to the dedicated efforts of organizations like Gateway and their generous partners, including Kunes Auto Group.
Join the Movement
Whether you're an employer looking to support local talent, a student seeking a better future, or a community member who believes in the power of education, there's a place for you in this mission.
➡️ Learn more or donate at gtc.edu/scholarships
🎟️ Attend Ignite the Future
💡 Help fuel the dreams of thousands across Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha counties.
