Scholarship programs open, accepting applications

Powder Coating Institute 2021 Scholarship Program now accepting applications

The Powder Coating Institute (PCI) is now accepting applications for its 2021 Scholarship Program. Designed to assist students studying in areas that can lead to a career in powder coating, the program includes the PCI General Scholarship and five corporate-named scholarships: the PCI/Axalta Scholarship, the PCI/Gema Scholarship, the PCI/Nordson Ken Kreeger Scholarship, the PCI/PPG Scholarship, and the PCI/IFS Coatings Scholarship.

PCI recognizes the need to bring bright, young scholars into the powder coating industry. “Attracting qualified talent to continue to expand the industry is a top priority for PCI members,” states Kevin Coursin, PCI’s executive director. “PCI is glad that we can continue to offer these scholarships to promote sustainable growth in the powder coating industry.”

Candidates must complete the online application and submit supporting documents by March 15, 2021. Interested applicants should go to https://www.powdercoating.org/page/scholarship to submit the required information. Scholarship winners will be asked to provide one brief follow-up summary of educational experiences during the 2021-2022 academic year.

The PCI Scholarship Subcommittee reviews applications and awards scholarships based on a set of criteria, established, and approved by the PCI Board of Directors, including specific studies and projects related to powder coatings, future goals & career objectives, unique qualifications/goals/aspirations, letter of recommendation and grade point average.

Representatives from Axalta Coating Systems, Gema USA, IFS Coatings, Nordson Corporation, and PPG will be a part of the selection process for each of their respective scholarships. Scholarships will be awarded in April and recipients will be notified by the PCI Executive Director.

To see previous scholarship award winners and learn more about the program, visit our website: https://www.powdercoating.org/page/scholarship.

CCAI Finishing Education Foundation accepting 2021 scholarship applications

Applications for the 2021 Matt Heuertz Scholarship Program are now being accepted. The program, now administered by the CCAI Finishing Education Foundation (CCAIFEF), has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarship funds over the past five years. The primary objective of this program is to encourage students to pursue advanced education that can lead to a career in industrial finishing. Awards will be announced in June.

CCAIFEF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization established to support education and training in the industrial finishing and coatings industry, including scholarship programs that support students whose academic endeavors could lead to a career in finishing. “Attracting new young talent is crucial to the future of our industry,” states CCAIFEF Executive Director, Sheila LaMothe. “Each year we receive applications from an outstanding pool of students that are not only pursuing studies that could likely lead to a career in industrial finishing, but many of whom are already engaged in the industry through internships, summer employment and job shadow opportunities. We are committed to supporting students in their journey towards a career in finishing and the scholarship program is an important component of this effort.”

Qualified candidate applications will be reviewed by the CCAIFEF Board of Directors for the National Scholarship Program. Applications will also be sent onto the appropriate CCAI regional chapter, when applicable, that provides additional scholarship funding for students residing in their chapter area. Award amounts vary and are determined by the CCAIFEF Board of Directors and individual chapters. Scholarship recipients also receive a free one-year CCAI student membership.

To view the criteria required to be a qualified applicant, the selection process and to submit an application, visit https://www.ccaiweb.com, click on the EDUCATION tab, and then scroll down to Scholarship Program. Students must complete a CCAIFEF National Scholarship application, provide a transcript or other grade verification and submit a resume with photo by the April 15, 2021 application deadline.