Meet the 2026 STEM Forward Scholarship Recipients
Each year, STEM Forward awards $3,000 scholarships to outstanding students from the Milwaukee area enrolled in STEM-related programs to encourage talented students to maintain high academic achievement and service standards. We believe that to add to Southeastern Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, we must provide as many opportunities to students as possible. STEM Forward’s overall scholarship program awards $33,000 in scholarships to 11 students, including renewals. In partnership with our donors, STEM Forward is tremendously proud to help eleven students advance along their STEM pathways this next academic year!
Elizabeth Brauer High School Scholarship Recipient: xx
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Southeastern Wisconsin High School Scholarship Recipient: xxx
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Marquette University Robert Brauer Scholarship Recipient: Luke Gorman
My name is Luke Gorman, and I am a freshman at Marquette University and originally from Traverse City, Michigan. I am pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering with a concentration in structural engineering. From a young age, I have always been intrigued by problem-solving and machinery in engineering. I knew from the start that I wanted to go into engineering. Still, it was not until the summer before college, when I worked at an excavation company and worked on the early stages of building houses, that I knew I wanted to go into civil engineering. I believe that helping people achieve their long-term dream of owning a home is so important because it's my dream as well. I am excited to continue my path in civil engineering and to one day turn these dreams into reality. My goal is to one day move back to my hometown and start my own company, where I can work with people across the fields of engineering and construction to continue building the beauty of northern Michigan.
Milwaukee Area Technical College Scholarship Recipient: Danielle Peters
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Milwaukee School of Engineering Scholarship Recipient: Gabriella Heuser
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University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Scholarship Recipient: Nicole Knasinski
Hello! My name is Nicole (Nikki) Knasinski, a senior at UW–Milwaukee majoring in Environmental Engineering. Although I’ve loved science and math since childhood, I didn’t discover my passion for engineering until a high school intro course sparked my interest and led me to environmental engineering. Choosing UWM was an easy decision due to its strong program and family connections. During my time there, I’ve built meaningful relationships with professors, advisors, and friends who have supported my journey. My love for the outdoors, animals, and water, shaped by years of fishing and exploring nature, inspired me to pursue a career as a wastewater or water engineer. As a first-generation college student, receiving the 2026 STEM Forward scholarship is incredibly meaningful, helping me stay focused on my studies while working part-time and covering expenses. I’m deeply grateful for the recognition and support that have made my college experience possible.