Elgin, Ill., Jan. 21: In a significant effort to combat the skilled labor shortage in manufacturing, SparkForce, the FMA Foundation, has awarded 59 scholarships totaling $118,000 to students enrolled in manufacturing programs for the upcoming spring semester.

Key Points
1. 162% increase in scholarship funds compared to previous year
2. Supports students in welding, engineering, and technical programs
3. Scholarships cover tuition, books, and educational expenses
4. Addressing skilled labor shortage in manufacturing industry

This initiative reflects a remarkable 162% increase in scholarship funds distributed compared to the previous year, thanks to generous donors and expanded grant funding. Growing Interest in Manufacturing Careers

Foundation Director Ed Dernulc noted a promising trend: a 14% rise in qualified applications over last year. "It's inspiring to see a growing interest in the manufacturing field," Dernulc stated. "SparkForce is dedicated to empowering these talented students as they prepare for their careers. We are confident this support will help them become vital contributors to the dynamic metal fabrication industry."

Comprehensive Support for Students

The scholarships are designed to cover various educational expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and other related costs. This support enables students to concentrate on their studies and transition smoothly into the manufacturing workforce. Many of this semester's awardees have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and are on track to graduate within a year.

Spring 2025 Scholarship Recipients by State

Alabama

Bradyn Schultz, Hartselle, Ala., welding technology at Calhoun Community College

Arkansas

Mercuriah Vance, Osceola, Ark., Steel Tech Academy at Arkansas Northeastern College

California

Micah Duke, Poway, Calif., mechanical engineering at San Diego State University

Michael Hatfield, Olivehurst, Calif., welding technology at Yuba College

Jacob LaBrie, Santa Clarita, Calif., pipe welding at Western Welding Academy

Jose Mora, Artesia, Calif., manufacturing technology at Fullerton College

Duvan Morales, San Diego, electrician technician at United Education Institute Chula Vista

Elijah Netniss, Hughson, Calif., electrical engineering at University of California - Davis

Eric Sandoval, Santa Clarita, Calif., welding technology at College of the Canyons

Nicholas Usher, Escondido, Calif., mechanical engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Georgia

Jonathan Wayne Harkey, Marietta, Ga., welding at Georgia Trade School

Xavier Horne, Marietta, Ga., welding at Georgia Trade School

Edward Tumulty, Kennesaw, Ga., structural plate and pipe welding at Georgia Trade School

Christian Wojnar, Townsend, Ga., structural plate and pipe welding at Savannah Technical College

Illinois

Blake Bollow, DeKalb, Ill., mechanical engineering at University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Esteban Flores, Maywood, Ill., robotic welding at Triton College

Alexander Howell, Buffalo Grove, Ill., welding technology at Harper College

Raahi Mehta, Schaumburg, Ill., industrial engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Fernando Santos, Des Plaines, Ill., engineering technology/welding certificate at Triton College

Indiana

Madelin Billings, Chesterton, Ind., industrial engineering at Purdue University

Carson Cox, Montezuma, Ind., mechanical engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Iowa

Willem Potter, Nevada, Iowa, industrial engineering at Iowa State University

Kansas

Kaleb Sosa, Hutchinson, Kan., machining technology at Wichita State University Tech

Louisiana

Helena Usey, New Orleans, La., mechanical engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Michigan

Anna Tran, Lansing, Mich., engineering/mechatronics systems at Kettering University

New Jersey

Sebastian Monsalvo, Elizabeth, N.J., aeronautics and astronautics at Stanford University

Krrisha Patel, Secaucus, N.J., mechanical engineering at The University of Pennsylvania

Cameron Quinn, Chesterfield, N.J., welding and fabrication engineering technology at Pennsylvania College of Technology

New Mexico

Daniel Castro, Albuquerque, N.M., welding and fabrication engineering technology at Pennsylvania College of Technology

New York

Ziv Shusterman, Sea Cliff, N.Y., mechanical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Oklahoma

Waverly Landrith, Mustang, Okla., mechanical engineering at University of Oklahoma

Pennsylvania

Multiple recipients from Pennsylvania College of Technology in various welding and fabrication programs.

South Carolina

Charles Biggerstaff, Greenville, S.C., electrical engineering at Jacksonville University

Ethan Shier, Columbia, S.C., mechanical engineering at University of South Carolina

Tennessee

Kamden Edens, Lexington, Tenn., electrical engineering at Tennessee Technological University

Texas

Numerous recipients across various universities focusing on mechanical engineering and welding technology.

Utah

Kellie Malan, Plain City, Utah, welding technology at Treasure Valley Community College

Washington

Maxwell Mamishev, Seattle, electrical engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Wisconsin

Recipients across multiple programs related to materials engineering and industrial welding.

Future Opportunities

SparkForce awards scholarships twice a year to support students pursuing degrees or certifications leading to careers in manufacturing. Applications for summer/fall 2025 scholarships are open until March 31. For more information and to apply, visit sparkforce.org/scholarships.