SparkForce (FMA Foundation) Scholarship

Name: SparkForce (FMA Foundation) Scholarship

Award Amount: $2,000

• Scholarships awarded twice each year to students pursuing manufacturing‑related degrees or certifications.

Information and Eligibility:

The SparkForce Scholarship, administered by the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Foundation (formerly NBT Foundation), provides support to students pursuing postsecondary education in manufacturing-related fields. The foundation aims to address the skilled labor shortage by investing in students preparing for careers in aerospace, CAD/mechanical engineering technology, electrical engineering, welding, and other manufacturing tracks.

The scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, program relevance, and alignment with workforce needs in manufacturing. Funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, and required tools or personal protective equipment.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Program Focus: Must be enrolled in or admitted to a manufacturing-related degree or certificate program (e.g. aerospace engineering, welding, CAD, mechanical or electrical engineering technology).
• Enrollment Status: Must be a current student or incoming student enrolled in technical, trade, community college, or university-level manufacturing programs.
• Academic Standing: Community college, trade or technical program students require a minimum GPA of 2.5; university students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Enrollment Load: Full-time students (12+ credits) or part‑time (6+ credits) may qualify if also working in the field.

Application Process
All applicants must submit the following:

• Completed Online Application via SparkForce scholarship portal.
• Transcript (high school or college) from the most recently completed full semester.
• Essay describing interest in manufacturing and career goals.
• Acceptance & Forms Signed award acceptance form, headshot photo, photo release, and activation of complimentary one-year student membership with FMA (if not already a member).

Deadline: September 30 (for the next application cycle)

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