DUANE KAASA MAKERS SCHOLARSHIP

Duane was a builder of machines and tools for his vocation and for the pure love of building. Things he built included several national award-winning true-scale model airplanes (he was a passionate RC Modeler), an inboard ski boat, an RV-6 airplane, a camper, fiberglass kayaks, and innumerable machines to serve manufacturing processes. He funded this scholarship with the proceeds of the sale of the greatest of his design and builds, a 1/8 scale, fully functional, replica of the world's largest steam locomotive called The Big Boy, built and operated during the 1940's. All of the aforementioned were researched, designed, and fabricated entirely from scratch.

The inspiration for this scholarship came from Duane himself who helped others along in the process of finding meaningful work in the trades. He never lacked work due to the variety of trades he learned over the years. He believed that knowing how to build things would help someone to support oneself and one's family through economic ups and downs as well as bringing personal joy. Many of his skills were applied to various ways he and his family could have fun by building toys he couldn't afford to buy. He was a proud US Marine and particularly favored supporting veterans of the armed services.

Application Opens: January 1st
Application Due Date: March 1st

Eligibility:
  1. Students seeking a field of study in the "makers" field of welding, machining, auto mechanics, aviation or train maintenance or engineering
  2. Preference given to any veteran, currently residing, or graduate of any high school in Chelan or Douglas counties.
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YOUR GIFT AT WORK

Cruz.Xitlali

Xitlali Cruz

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

I am currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science at Stanford. Since the beginning of my freshman year I have been involved with clubs such as Stanford’s Space Initiative (SSI) and the Society of Latinx Engineers (SOLE). In SSI I built a rocket and launched it.

ThomasSmith

Aero Methow Rescue Service

GRANT RECIPIENT

Due to being rural, remote, and geographically isolated, we must be prepared to do more than respond to emergencies. We have become a healthcare partner who fills gaps in service. The grant allowed our board the time and ability to work with a Strategic Planner to modify our plan to address those gaps.

2019RIGOutreach-RosieYardSigns-Crop

Chelan Douglas Volunteer Attorney Services

GRANT RECIPIENT

The grant provided funds to hire a Housing Justice and Outreach Coordinator to visit rural and underserved areas. Rosie’s bilingual and bicultural skills and experience have increased equity of service. Rosie is building partnerships with local organizations through events such as the Columbia Valley Community Health’s Back to School Drive, as well as posting yard signs.

Tenoch Mandujano

Tenoch Mandujano

Scholarship Recipient

My father was a migrant agricultural worker who eventually started his own cherry and apple orchard. He told me if I wanted to live a better life, I had to get an education. I plan on starting a career with the Chelan PUD with a passion for renewable energy and in turn give back to my parents and community for supporting my dreams.

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