Keep Me Kettering Scholarships Helps Student Graduate Debt-Free

Catharine Carlson (’23, IE) is grateful she’s been able to prioritize learning over finances during her time at Kettering University.

A Keep Me Kettering scholarship has made that possible. Carlson has used the scholarship to fund her education since she began attending Kettering in 2020.

“Being able to have more tuition paid for has been very helpful,” Carlson said. “It’s allowed me to focus on my education and worry less about the financial burden. It’s also helped me choose a co-op and prioritize learning rather than how much I’ll make.”

The Keep Me Kettering fund supports students who face financial challenges. Students can use the scholarship to pay tuition. Since its inception, the fund has raised more than $2.3 million, helping 265 students in need. 

Funds for Keep Me Kettering scholarships come from generous alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University. Carlson appreciates their gifts.

“I want to thank them for their generosity and let them know their donations have a huge impact on students at Kettering,” she said. “I really appreciate their willingness to help others.”

With the help of relatives and scholarships, Carlson will graduate debt-free. She hopes to return the favor to future students after she graduates—even if she can donate only a small amount to start. 

“If everyone were to give $5, then that would add up quickly, and it still would be able to help, because every penny helps when you’re trying to graduate debt-free,” she said.

Carlson co-ops at Flex-N-Gate, an original equipment manufacturer that supplies automotive parts to all major North American and European vehicles. After graduation, she plans to gain more technical experience in industrial engineering and combine that with her leadership skills to move into a management position.

“I want to lead the new generation and help other students the way I was helped throughout my career,” Carlson said. “I especially want to mentor other interns and students that are new to the workforce.”