Current high school students are encouraged to apply for a new $1,000 manufacturing scholarship to help cover costs of earning a post-secondary certificate or degrees in manufacturing.
Applications are due April 1. To apply or learn more, visit https://bit.ly/2uFRAHf or contact Judy Richer, Bridges Career Academy coordinator, at 218-760-7838 or Judy@BridgesConnection.org .
In addition to being a soon-to-graduate student with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, applicants must be enrolling as a full-time student at an accredited Minnesota college or university and be a U.S. citizen, and a resident of the counties of Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd or Wadena. Interested students must be pursuing a degree in a qualifying manufacturing related major.
“Unlike many scholarships, these funds may be used for more than just tuition,” Richer stated in a news release. “It can help cover the costs of books, tools or other educationally related materials, supplies or expenses.”
This scholarship fund was established in 2017 by the Lakes Area Manufacturing Alliance in partnership with the Initiative Foundation, in response to a need identified by the Central Minnesota manufacturing business community. Manufacturers are experiencing a growth in the demand for employees with the knowledge and skills to work in a manufacturing environment. It is LAMA’s goal to actively engage and build collaboration among manufacturing, education, and students. LAMA is also a supporter of the Haas Office Mill, a computer numerical control machining demonstration tool that offers a hands-on career experience right at an individual high school.
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“LAMA sees the establishment of this scholarship program as a true investment in the future of Central Minnesota’s manufacturing industry,” stated Debby Hoel, human resources manager at Pequot Tool & Manufacturing in Jenkins.
Initial funders of this manufacturing scholarship fund include Clow Stamping Co., Pequot Tool & Manufacturing, Lindar/Avantech, Graphic Packaging, Precision Tool Technologies and Lexington Manufacturing.
Businesses are encouraged to donate to this ongoing scholarship fund. To contribute, send a check payable to the Initiative Foundation with “Manufacturing Scholarship Fund” noted in the memo line to: Initiative Foundation, 405 First St. SE, Little Falls, MN 56345. Or donate online at https://bit.ly/31cP5Zf .
