West Michigan Works! and its Discover Manufacturing talent council announced the recipients of the 2024 Discover Manufacturing scholarship awards. This year’s scholarships, ranging from $500 to $1,000, were awarded to two graduating high school seniors and three college students, including one apprentice, who are pursuing degrees in advanced manufacturing-related programs or skilled trades technical training.
"Discover Manufacturing scholarships help students pursue their dreams in college and help skilled professionals get the training they need for advancement. This annual scholarship program is another way that West Michigan Works! and Discover Manufacturing continue to support manufacturing across West Michigan in ways that deepen the talent pool in both current and future professionals,” said Ryan Graham, Director of Workforce Development at KISD and Community and Parent Liaison for the Discover Manufacturing Industry Talent Council.
Each year, Discover Manufacturing scholarship recipients are selected based on their completed applications and a 500-word essay outlining their passion for manufacturing, relevant experiences and how they plan to contribute to the industry. Mechanical manufacturing work experience or participation in related events and experiences like First Robotics, Manufacturing Week and MiCareerQuest are considered when selecting awardees.
2024 Scholarship Awardees:
Joseph Mason, a graduate of Byron Center High School, received a $500 scholarship and will be pursuing a degree in product design engineering at Grand Valley State University.
Grant Lefers, a graduate of Rockford High School and Kent Career Technical Center, was awarded $1,000 to support his studies in Welding Engineering Technology at Ferris State University.
Ryan Wheeler, Grand Rapids Community College student, received a $500 scholarship to help fund his degree in industrial maintenance.
James White, Grand Rapids Community College student, was awarded $1,000 to pursue additional courses and certifications in advanced manufacturing technologies.
Brandon Asbury, an apprentice Tool and Die Maker at Pyper Tool and Engineering, received $1,000 to further his education in manufacturing and tooling technologies at Grand Rapids Community College.
“I am a maintenance mechanic at Bay Valley food, working nights and going to school in the morning for a degree in industrial maintenance,” said Wheeler. “I will use this scholarship to fund my degree path and finally finish school as a full-time working parent. This money would help relieve some of the financial burden that comes with college.”
Scholarships are renewable up to $1,000 for prior recipients, contingent on an application and interview process. Since 2018, Discover Manufacturing has awarded over $40,000 in scholarships to outstanding individuals.
According to the West Michigan Works! 2024 Hot Jobs List, advanced manufacturing occupations make up more than 25 percent of the top 100 high-demand careers in the region. These jobs demonstrate a growth rate of at least 10 percent, a minimum of 50 annual openings, and wages at or above $14.30 per hour in Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon and Ottawa counties.
Those interested in free or low-cost training to step into this industry can learn more at one of several Manufacturing and Food Processing Career Fair Carnivals across West Michigan throughout the month of June. These events will provide jobseekers with a chance to connect with local employers and even land an on-the-spot interview. Family-friendly activities such as carnival games, a balloon animal artist and more will also be available.
The Discover Manufacturing industry talent council is a regional network of hundreds of manufacturers who are committed to addressing the short- and long-term talent needs of West Michigan’s manufacturing industry. Through partnerships in education, workforce development, and economic development, the organization promotes training the current workforce, promoting the industry to the future workforce, and communicating opportunities and best practices. For more information visit www.discovermanufacturing.com.
Comments