CCAI FEF Awards 2025 Student Scholarships

The Chemical Coaters Association International Finishing Education Foundation (CCAI FEF) announces this year’s scholarship recipients. Since 1992, the Matt Heuertz Scholarship Program has provided financial awards to students enrolled in programs that could lead to a career in coatings and finishing. The scholarships are awarded through the CCAI FEF, a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization. Applications from qualified students were reviewed by the CCAI FEF Board of Directors, who determined this year’s scholarship winners.

CCAI FEF awarded a total of $17,500 in scholarships to eleven deserving students. “This year’s recipients represent diversity in studies related to finishing that could result in a variety of finishing related careers. In addition, as we strive to expand the reach of the program, for the first time recipients represent colleges and universities from Connecticut to California,” shares Sheila LaMothe, CCAI FEF’s executive director.   

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 regional chapters across the country.

The CCAI FEF Board of Directors selected Collin Grota, Iowa State University, as the recipient of the Jim Gallagher Award, granted to the highest scoring applicant. Samuel Hanson, South Dakota State University, is the first recipient of the Bob Warren Award, a newly created scholarship generously supported by CCAI Corporate member Sames to honor Bob’s endless contributions to the finishing industry.

CCAI FEF extends sincere congratulations to all the recipients of a 2025 Matt Heuertz Scholarship:

Anshuman Adhikari, Georgia Institute of Technology

Nathaniel Allen, Northwestern University

Jordan Clabaugh, Iowa State University

Aki Densmore, Florida Institute of Technology

Sava Kassev, UC Berkeley

Nicolas Matejka, Columbia University

Allan Meier, University of Cincinnati

Kristen Poplaski, University of Connecticut

Tavish Rajendra, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University