Scholarships Available for In-Demand Manufacturing Training

DES MOINES, Iowa (February 6, 2018) - Elevate Advanced Manufacturing, a non-profit initiative spreading the word about career opportunities in manufacturing, is offering fifteen $500 scholarships to Iowa high school seniors interested in studying a manufacturing-related career at one of Iowa's 15 Community Colleges. One award will be made per college region. "Manufacturing firms supply more than 208,858 jobs to Iowans," said Mike Ralston, President of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry. "These well-paying careers require education and training beyond high school, but don't require the often burdensome cost of a bachelor's degree. Recent studies have shown that two-year degree and technical certificate holders, especially in high-demand manufacturing occupations, can earn salaries that surpass those of four-year college graduates." Examples of training programs to which the scholarship can apply include Welding, Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machining, Industrial Automation, Industrial Maintenance, Robotics, Tool and Die and Transportation and Logistics. Interested candidates should apply by completing the application found at www.elevateiowa.com (under the "About" column). Applications are due March 2nd, 2018. For more information about manufacturing careers, visit www.elevateiowa.com. Elevate Iowa (www.elevateiowa.com) is a statewide, integrated marketing campaign to promote careers and educational pathways in advanced manufacturing. The initiative is directed by a coalition of all 15 Iowa Community College's, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, the private manufacturing sector and the State of Iowa. Elevate Iowa offers resources to the public and educational institutions? to educate the unemployed/underemployed Iowans, U.S. veterans, along with K-12 students and their families about the opportunities in Advanced Manufacturing.  -30-