Max and Molly Atkinson, twins from Fond du Lac, are making the most of their opportunities at Moraine Park Technical College by participating in the College’s Promise Program. The program, funded by donors, is designed to remove financial barriers for high school seniors within the district and has allowed both Max and Molly to pursue their educational and career goals without the added stress of financial strain.
Max, a 2023 Fond du Lac High School graduate, is enrolled in the IT Software Development program. He decided to further his education locally after researching his options. “I realized Moraine Park has a lot to offer, and I could use it as a stepping stone on my educational journey,” Max said. “Choosing a program came naturally, aligning with his hobbies of playing video games and using the computer. “I didn’t have to think hard about selecting a program; it felt really natural for me to pursue IT.”
Molly, also a 2023 Fond du Lac High School graduate, chose the Administrative Coordinator program because of the open possibilities within the career field.
“I looked at the jobs in that career field, and it seemed like I could go anywhere and work for anybody in any field. I wouldn’t be tied down to one specific area,” she said.
A key requirement of the Promise Program is community volunteering, which both Max and Molly have found enriching.
“The Promise Program has really helped me get out into the community and made me see the different paths I could take,” Molly said. “Volunteering at the local warming shelter gave me a new perspective on my challenges. We think we have all these problems, like work or homework, but really those are wonderful problems to have, and we are very fortunate.”
Max echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the connections he has built through the program. “The main way that I saw benefit from the Promise Program is that I got to establish more relationships with people.” Working at the UPS Store, Max noticed he began recognizing people from his volunteer work, which made him feel more integrated into the community.
Financial support from the Promise Program has been crucial for Max and Molly.
“If I didn’t have the Promise Program for financial support, I definitely would have paid everything out-of-pocket. I can’t express how appreciative I am for the scholarship support,” Molly said. “To the Promise Program donors—thank you for getting me more involved with the community around me that I’ve lived in my whole life.”
As they look to the future, Max and Molly have clear goals. Max is eager to dive deeper into his IT studies after finishing his general education courses, while Molly is excited about moving out, getting her own apartment and starting her career.
Max and Molly Atkinson’s journey through the Promise Program at Moraine Park showcases the power of community connection, education and determination. With the solid foundation they’re building, the twins are well on their way to bright and successful futures.
