The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) announced that its Elevate Advanced Manufacturing initiative has awarded 10 scholarships to recent Iowa high school graduates pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing.
Elevate Advanced Manufacturing is a nonprofit initiative. It’s aim is to spread the word about career opportunities in advanced manufacturing. Learn more at www.elevateiowa.com.
The recipients, who include one Quad Cities graduate, are each receiving $500 scholarships to attend one of Iowa’s 15 community colleges.
The 2024 awardees and their selected colleges are:
- Kaden Wahlert, Prairie City-Monroe High School – Des Moines Area Community College.
- Mason Goche, Bettendorf High School – Hawkeye Community College.
- Ryan Steenhoek, Pella High School – Indian Hills Community College.
- Anthony Stalpes, Humboldt High School – Iowa Central Community College.
- Jaxon Roberts, Algona High School – Iowa Lakes Community College.
- Jack Jensen, Underwood High School – Iowa Western Community College.
- Toby Arkulari, Aplington-Parkersville High School – North Iowa Area Community College.
- Preston Hurd, Crestwood High School – Northeast Iowa Community College.
- David Moreo, Lamoni High School – Southeastern Community College.
- Logan DeKoter, Clear Creek Amana High School – Kirkwood Community College.
High-paying, in-demand
In a news release, ABI said advanced manufacturing provides a wide range of high-paying and in-demand careers. Citing the National Association of Manufacturers’ statistics, ABI said manufacturing companies are in the top third of employers in the State of Iowa. They provide 225,000 jobs to Iowans and represent 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. And it provides new and exciting career opportunities for Iowans.
“These scholarships represent more than just financial assistance; they are an investment in the future of Iowa’s manufacturing industry,” Mike Ralston, ABI president, said in the release. “By supporting these talented young individuals, we are ensuring that our state remains at the forefront of innovation and productivity in manufacturing.”
Mr. Ralston has led ABI for two decades. He announced this summer his plans to retire at the end of this year.
