Five Aspiring Registered Apprentices Honorably Awarded Scholarship for Achievements in Semiconductor Manufacturing

Honoring Excellence in Manufacturing: The Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship

In an empowering move to promote careers in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing, the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ (NIICA) has awarded the inaugural Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarships to five remarkable Registered Apprentices (RAs). This scholarship, named after Maddison Spaulding, a pioneering RA at Applied Materials, aims to honor her legacy by supporting apprentices who face barriers while pursuing meaningful careers in these critical fields.

A Celebration of Persistence and Passion

The recipients of the Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship—Allison Horst from Moog, Ashley Salgado, Heather Houchin, Makayla Lasswell, and Quazi Ummehany from Micron and NY CREATES, respectively—have showcased not only resilience but also unwavering commitment to their professional growth. These individuals embody the determination and dedication that Spaulding herself demonstrated throughout her career.

Maddison Spaulding was more than just an apprentice; she was a passionate advocate for skill-driven learning and career advancements through apprenticeships. Her influence inspires the establishment of this scholarship, which aims to facilitate the journey of apprentices facing obstacles, helping them to successfully enter and thrive in the industry.

Recognizing Individual Achievements

Allison Horst

Allison has made a significant impact at Moog with her dedication and enthusiasm for advanced manufacturing. Her hands-on learning approach and drive to excel reflect the core values NIICA seeks to instill. David Seweryniak, MEC Performance Leader at Moog, commends her recognition, hopeful of her continued success.

Heather Houchin

Micron's Heather exemplifies incredible dedication and perseverance, setting a benchmark for apprentices in advanced manufacturing. Her contributions at Micron, acknowledged by Maggie Baker, Idaho Registered Apprenticeship Program Lead, further prove the qualities needed to make significant impacts in this field.

Ashley Salgado and Makayla Lasswell

Both Ashley and Makayla are recognized for their determination to meet challenges head-on, earning their place as outstanding apprentices. Courtney Adams, Virginia Registered Apprenticeship Program Leader, celebrates their commitment to growth, marking them as exemplary figures within the manufacturing community.

Quazi Ummehany

Quazi, operating as a Cleanroom Operator at NY CREATES, showcases her strong passion for innovation and skills development. Dr. Robert Geer, Vice President for Education and Workforce Development at NY CREATES, recognizes her contributions and potential, and emphasizes her role as an asset to the semiconductor industry's future.

Breaking Barriers in Manufacturing

These scholarships, each worth $1,000, are not merely financial support; they aim to dismantle barriers such as transportation costs, childcare, and essential learning tools like laptops. NIICA emphasizes that this scholarship aids in ensuring that women have a prominent role in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing, areas where they have historically been underrepresented.

Nikki Zaahir, Executive Director of NIICA, encapsulates the mission behind these awards: to empower women and cultivate the next generation of leaders who will drive innovation in the industry.

Closing Thoughts

As NIICA remains devoted to expanding opportunities in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing, the Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarships serve as a beacon of light for aspiring apprentices embarking on their careers. By fostering talent and dedication among these individuals, NIICA is building a robust workforce that is critical for the ongoing growth and innovation within the sector.

For anyone interested in learning more about the Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship and application processes in the future, NIICA welcomes you to their official website at www.niica.org/maddison-spaulding-scholarship.

About NIICA

The National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement is dedicated to developing a national talent pipeline focused on technology-based industries and advanced manufacturing. NIICA's initiatives, including the Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship, are pivotal in shaping the future of the U.S. semiconductor industry and driving the country’s competitive edge globally.