Group photo of the ACCESS STEM scholars with Raven
They baked special cookies. The students and COSE staff got into the spirit and took up a collection, so the birthday girl could pick out her own gift. At the party, the students wrote out birthday wishes, sang “Happy Birthday” and gave the birthday girl plenty of belly rubs.
The birthday girl, Raven, is Jake Kruger’s service dog, who turned 2 on Dec. 3.
The students have gotten to know Kruger and Raven this fall through the ACCESS STEM scholarship program. The National Science Foundation-funded scholarship provides support for students with demonstrated need who are interested in pursuing a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) major. The grant includes funding for student bonding activities throughout the school year, so the students can make friends and rely on one another when classes get tough.
Kruger was among 25 new ACCESS STEM scholars St. Cloud State welcomed to campus this fall.
As Kruger attended the ACCESS STEM events, the other scholars got to know her first as a working dog and then as a friend when Kruger removed her service harness.
At the party, Kruger shared Raven’s story from her puppy house to Leader Dog Graduate to Full Service Dog navigating St. Cloud State. He reminded his friends that they should never try to pet a working service dog with its harness on.
Birthday gifts included 45 pounds of dog treats.
Kruger uses Charlee Bear treats throughout the day as Raven takes him throughout St. Cloud State —navigating building doors, hallways, finding a seat in class and locating drinking fountains and restrooms.
Raven gets about 20 treats a day. Charlee Bear donated the 45 one pound treat bags for Raven’s party.
St. Cloud State will be awarding its next round of ACCESS STEM scholarships in Fall 2020. Students receive four-year scholarships of up to $9,000 per year while attending St. Cloud State. For more information visit our ACCESS STEM website.