Des Moines, Iowa (Feb. 16, 2016) – 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.

Mike Ralston, President of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, says “Manufacturing firms supply more than 208,858 jobs to Iowans. 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 (click on “About”). Applications are due April 1st, 2016. For more information about manufacturing careers, visit www.elevateiowa.com.

Elevate Iowa 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 Colleges represented by the Iowa-Advanced Manufacturing (I-AM) Consortium, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, the Iowa Department of Workforce Development, the Iowa Department of Education, the private manufacturing sector and the State of Iowa.

The initiative is funded in part by the I-AM Consortium, which is 100% financed through a grant from the Department of Labor’s Employment & Training Administration. Elevate Iowa offers resources to the public specifically targeting those eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for workers, unemployed/underemployed Iowans, U.S. veterans, along with K-12 students and their families.

(Press Release)