The Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Foundation, in partnership with the Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) and Racine Unified School District (RUSD), will present the PowerUp College and Resource Fair from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, 900 Wood Road.
PowerUp connects students and their families with area colleges, universities, employers, and community organizations to help them plan for life after graduation. Students will hear directly from local college presidents about how education connects to real-world career opportunities. The event also marks the beginning of the Mahone Foundation college scholarship application season.
The event is open to all high school juniors and seniors from KUSD and RUSD schools, as well as Christian Life School, Racine Lutheran High School, Shoreland Lutheran High School, St. Catherine’s High School, St. Joseph Catholic Academy, and The Prairie School. Underrepresented and low- to moderate-income students are especially encouraged to attend.
“The PowerUp College and Resource Fair is an excellent opportunity for our students and families to explore their futures and discover how to make their dreams a reality,” said KUSD Superintendent Dr. Jeff Weiss. “By bringing the right people and resources together, we can ease the stress of post-high school planning and make it an exciting journey for everyone involved.”
RUSD Superintendent Soren Gajewski emphasized how PowerUp and the partnership with the Mahone Foundation inspire students to aim higher.
“By connecting them with the right resources and guidance, we’re empowering every student to take bold steps toward college, careers, and lifelong success,” Gajewski said. “The Mahone Foundation has a history of putting students first. At Racine Unified, we’re proud to build upon the Foundation’s community legacy.”
Mahone Foundation Chairman Tim Mahone highlighted the importance of collaboration with area schools.
“Our goal has always been enhancing educational and career opportunities for area youth,” Mahone said. “This collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to maximizing access to resources. PowerUp helps students gain a deeper understanding of the variety of career paths available—and how education opens the doors to those opportunities.”
The Mahone Foundation CEO Scholars Panel, supported by the Forest County Potawatomi, will feature current and past scholarship recipients sharing their personal college experiences and professional journeys.
“Receiving the CEO scholarship gave me more than financial support—it gave me belief in my goals,” said Kalon Bell, 2012 Mahone Scholar. “That encouragement helped me push through challenges in college and shaped who I am today. Coming back to share my journey is my way of passing that same inspiration on to the next generation. PowerUp meant the world to me.”
Forest County Potawatomi Chairman Brooks Boyd Sr. noted the importance of educational investment:
“Supporting initiatives like PowerUp ensures that youth in Racine and Kenosha have the resources and guidance they need to achieve post-secondary success. We are proud to continue supporting the Mahone Foundation and the communities that share a historical and cultural connection to the Potawatomi.”
Workshop Topics Include:
• Financial Literacy: Financial Preparation for College and Beyond
• Career Exploration: Finding the Right Fit
• HBCU College Admission and College Tour Workshop
• College Admissions Process: From A–Z
“We’re excited to provide a platform for families to learn about college opportunities and the financial resources to make them affordable,” said Sabrina Morgan, Mahone Foundation Community Engagement Manager. “PowerUp not only launches the CEO College Scholarship application period but also inspires students to pursue internships and follow their dreams.”
This year, the Mahone Foundation and its academic and community partners have awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to deserving students from Kenosha and Racine.
Back by popular demand, the event will feature the “Battle of the Mascots” — a friendly dance-off among school mascots. Last year’s trophy went to Park High School, and this year’s competition will include many of the top high school and college mascots from across the region.
To register or learn more about participating colleges and vendors, visit mahonefund.org .
For more information, contact:
Tim Mahone – chairman@mahonefund.org
Sabrina Morgan – morgans@gtc.edu | (262) 564-2362