Thaddeus Stevens College has welcomed into its newest class a student who was able to attend because of Make-A-Wish® Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia, through a charitable contribution from Genentech, a member company of the Roche Group.  

Joshua, from Laureldale, Pa., wanted to pursue a technical program at his dream school, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Genentech helped bring that dream to life by partially funding his tuition, along with gifts of back-to-school and residence hall essentials. Joshua is enrolled in one of the technical programs focused on hands-on science and engineering-related skills and will earn a two-year degree. 

“Our mission is to create opportunity for higher education, and we do so with direct support from our community, state leadership, nonprofit organizations, and business and industry connections,” said Pedro A. Rivera II, Ed.D., president of the college. “Helping to provide a student a chance to improve their life, learn an in-demand skill, and land a job with family-thriving wages is why we exist. We’re so glad for this partnership and how it’s been able to clear the way for Joshua to achieve his dreams.” 

Make-A-Wish receives charitable donations to make possible life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Genentech, a biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases, has provided grants to Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia and other chapters to bring hope to students across the country.  

“Wishes can improve a child’s quality of life and may give them more emotional and physical strength to fight their illness,” said Regional Manager Maggie O’Brien at Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia. 

With this support, Joshua’s future in technology looks bright, and the college is excited to be a part of his journey. 

For more information on how to help Make-A-Wish fulfill more dreams, visit wish.org/greaterpawv