After job loss, foundation scholarship helps Occupational Therapy Assistant program student succeed

Alana Mahoney started the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Anoka Technical College working as a waitress at a local restaurant.

Through the Anoka Technical College Foundation, Alana was the 2019-2020 Sgt. John Rice VFW Scholarship recipient. Since the start of the program, the scholarship helped her focus more on her studies than work. But, her appreciation for the support deepened when the restaurant she was working at temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This scholarship has helped me in more ways than I thought it would when I applied,” shared Alana. “As I was not working during school, this scholarship has helped me get by until I am able to find a new job.”

More than making ends meet, the support has helped Alana reduce stress and build confidence in completing a program that will ultimately lead to a career of supporting others.  

“I am in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program,” stated Alana, “Once I graduate, I will use the skills that I have learned to help others to live their life to the fullest.  This program is very special as you gain skills for your future career but can also be applied to improve your everyday life.”

Learn more about scholarships available through the Anoka Technical College Foundation or how you can contribute to support students like Alana by visiting AnokaTech.edu/AboutATC/Foundation.