Advanced manufacturing provides a wide range of high-paying and in-demand careers. Manufacturing companies are in the top-third of employers in the state of Iowa, providing 222,628 jobs to Iowans and representing 14.4% of the state’s total employment. With innovative advances in technology, robotics, and augmented and virtual reality, the manufacturing industry continues to grow, providing new and exciting career opportunities for Iowans.

A career in manufacturing empowers individuals to join the workforce sooner, with less debt. “These well-paying careers require education and training beyond high school, but often don’t require the burdensome cost of a bachelor’s degree,” says Mike Ralston, president of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry. “Recent studies have shown that two-year degree holders, especially in high-demand manufacturing occupations, can earn salaries that surpass those of four-year college graduates.”

Examples of scholarship-eligible training programs include Robotics, Welding, Mechanical Drafting (CADD), Transportation and Logistics, Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machining, Industrial Automation, Industrial Maintenance, and Tool and Die.

In addition to a $500 scholarship, Elevate Advanced Manufacturing scholarship recipients and their families will be honored at the Legends in Manufacturing Award Ceremony in fall 2021.

The 2020 awardees are:

1. Brayton Chesnut, Creston High School – Southwestern Community College
2. Gage O'Connor, Ankeny High School – Iowa Western Community College
3. Mitchel Bender, Burlington High School – Southeastern Community College
4. Shane Moffitt, Emmetsburg High School – Iowa Lakes Community College
5. Ethan Molitor, Mason City Alternative High School – North Iowa Area Community College
6. Garrett Rottinghaus, Union High School – Hawkeye Community College
7. Cole Mobley, Diagonal High School – Indian Hills Community College
8. Dallas Hageman, Ft. Atkinson High School – Northeast Community College
9. Alex Tipps, Louisa Muscatine High School – Eastern Iowa Community College
10. Kale Euans, South Winneshiek High School – Kirkwood Community College
11. Dawson Evers, Denison High School – Des Moines Area Community College
12. Gabriel Bennett, Spencer High School – Northwest Community College
13. Draven Rasmussen, Eagle Grove High School – Iowa Central Community College
14. Nathan Mallory, Washington High School – Western Iowa Tech Community College