CCAI Finishing Education Foundation Presents 2021 Scholarships

The Chemical Coaters Association International Finishing Education Foundation (CCAIFEF), a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization established by the Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI), has announced its 2021 scholarship recipients, awarding a total of $17,500 in scholarships to 10 deserving students. Applications from qualified students were reviewed by the CCAIFEF Board of Directors, who determined this year’s scholarship winners. 

“This year, we received applications from 28 individuals representing 14 different academic institutions,” said Sheila LaMothe, CCAIFEF’s executive director. “We are excited to follow the career paths of these students as they are the future of the finishing and coatings industry.”

Since 1992, CCAI has awarded scholarships from the CCAI Matt Heuertz Scholarship Fund to students enrolled in programs that could lead to a career in coatings and finishing. In addition to cash awards sent to the student’s school account, each scholarship recipient receives a one-year student membership in CCAI, which allows them to gain significant exposure to the industry and benefit from the multitude of resources available through the association and its chapters.

Recipients of a 2021 Matt Heuertz Scholarship include:

• Genna Andreae, University of Wisconsin-Platteville
• Scott Andreae, University of Wisconsin - Stout
• Caiden Atienza, University of Iowa
• Joseph Ekes, Iowa State University
• Katie Engle, University of Cincinnati
• Emma Filipkowski, University of Cincinnati
• Dray Gibson, University of Cincinnati
• Tyler Kleinsasser, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
• Gladwin Bryan Labrague, Missouri University of Science & Technology
• William Joseph Martin, University of Cincinnati

CCAI and CCAIFEF have also announced winners of CCAI Chapter Scholarships. In addition to the National awards, the Twin Cities, West Michigan and Wisconsin CCAI chapters awarded nearly $20,000 through their own scholarships for students in their regions. The recipients include: Kay Borgerding, North Dakota State University; Tyler Kleinsasser, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology; Olivia McCabe, College of Saint Benedict; Connor Quinlan, University of St. Thomas; and Carissa Stalzer, Iowa State University.

The three West Michigan chapter scholarship winners are Anna Bielecki, Michigan State University; Carsen Bovink, Grand Valley State University; and Chloe Westrate, Saint Mary’s College-Notre Dame. 

Yhe Wisconsin chapter awarded Tyler Kleinsasser, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, the James Wright Scholarship; Genna Andrea, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, received the David Wright Scholarship; and Aaron Kinney, University of Wisconsin - Platteville, received the James Steffes Scholarship.  Additional Wisconsin chapter scholarship funds were awarded to: Sophia Brooks, Howard University; Adam Degler, University of Wisconsin – Madison; Jacob Diker, University of Wisconsin — Milwaukee; Alexandria Garczynski, University of Wisconsin — Milwaukee; Casey Roeser, University of Wisconsin — Madison; Mary Schilling, University of Wisconsin — Madison and Nolan Wagner, St. Norbert College.

About the Chemical Coaters Association International 

The Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI) is a technical and professional organization that provides information and training on surface coating technologies. CCAI works to raise the standards of finishing operations through educational meetings and seminars, training manuals, educational videos, and outreach programs with schools, colleges and universities. For more information, visit ccaiweb.com.

About the Chemical Coaters Association International Finishing Education Foundation

The Chemical Coatings Association International Finishing Education Foundation (CCAIFEF) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization founded in November 2018 to aid in the development and delivery of high impact educational and training opportunities that support the advancement of the industrial finishing and coatings industry. For more information, visit  ccaiweb.com/page/foundation.