ELGIN, Ill. — To help address the shortage of skilled labor in the industry, SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, has awarded 59 scholarships- including one to a Calhoun Community College student – totaling $118,000 to students enrolled in manufacturing programs for the spring semester.

The Calhoun recipient, Bradyn Schultz of Hartselle, is studying welding technology.

A 162% increase in scholarship dollars distributed over 2024’s spring semester awards was made possible through the generosity of donors and expanded grant funding, according to a news release. The scholarships offer crucial support to students pursuing manufacturing-related degrees.

“We saw a 14% growth in the number of qualified applications compared to last year,” Foundation Director Ed Dernulc said. “It’s inspiring to see a growing interest in the manufacturing field, and SparkForce is committed 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 and ever-evolving metal fabrication industry.”

The scholarships cover educational expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and other school-related costs, enabling students to focus fully on their goal of completing their studies and joining the manufacturing workforce.

This season’s award recipients demonstrate academic excellence by maintaining strong GPAs and excelling in their relevant coursework. In as little as one year, some awardees will graduate from their programs and transition to full-time manufacturing roles across the United States.

SparkForce awards scholarships twice annually to students pursuing degrees or certifications that lead to careers in manufacturing. The application for summer/fall 2025 scholarships is open until March 31. To learn more, visit sparkforce.org/scholarships.