CCAI Scholarships

CCAI FEF Scholarships

Matt Heuertz Scholarship Program
The Matt Heuertz Scholarship Program, honoring the first CCAI Executive Director who served 16 years, provides funding for selected students that meet program requirements. Administered by the CCAI Finishing Education Foundation (CCAI FEF), its primary objective is to encourage education that could lead to a career in finishing and coating technology. This program can be adjusted by the CCAI FEF Board of Directors. National scholarships have been awarded since 1992.

Jim Gallagher Award
The Jim Gallagher Scholarship Award is presented to the most outstanding scholarship applicant. This award was established in 2022 in honor of long-time CCAI member Jim Gallagher, who served on the National Board of Directors as well as the Wisconsin Chapter Board of Directors for many years. Jim participated on the Education Committee and co-authored and edited countless CCAI technical manuals.

Bob Warren Award
This award was established to recognize the endless contributions and dedication of Bob Warren, longtime CCAI national Board of Directors member and officer, West Michigan Chapter Board member and officer, and CCAI FEF Board member and officer, Bob Warren. Bob and his wife Carole are also founding members of CCAI FEF. The recipient of the Bob Warren Award is selected by the CCAI FEF Board of Directors.

Supported by Sames.

The scholarship application program opens in January each year and closes in early spring.

GOALS:

Provide financial assistance to students enrolled in programs that could lead to a career in the finishing/coatings industry.
Stimulate interest in finishing.
Encourage finishing-related curriculum.
Gain exposure for the finishing/coatings industry.

STUDENT CRITERIA

High school senior planning to attend university or technical college, or a current university or technical college student. Only undergraduates are eligible to apply.
Sincere interest in supervision, production & processing, engineering, management, chemistry or quality control in the finishing/coatings industry.
Minimum of 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
Enrolled in a technical or degree granting program that would qualify the student to be hired into the industrial finishing/coatings industry.

INFORMATION REQUIRED FROM STUDENT APPLICANTS

Scholarship Application
Transcript or other grade verification
Essay that includes
- Career objectives
- Experiences that have contributed to your interest in finishing
- Extra-curricular activities, interests, and community involvement
Reference letter*
Resume

*Acceptable letter of recommendation sources include; guidance counselor or academic advisor, teacher or professor, co-op or internship advisor or supervisor, or similar.

If awarded a scholarship, you will be asked to provide a photo for recognition purposes.

NOTE: Repeat applicants must submit a new letter of recommendation as well as a significantly updated essay that details what you’ve learned and how you’ve developed since your previous application are required.

SELECTION PROCESS

A completed application accompanied by noted required information must be submitted by the annual application deadline.
The application submission time is normally the first quarter of each calendar year.
All applications will be reviewed by the CCAI FEF Board of Directors.
Scholarship award winners are typically notified in June.

AWARD PROCESS

Award amounts and number of awards vary. Maximum award $5,000.
Award amount and number of awards will be determined by the CCAI FEF Board of Directors.
Awards will be sent directly to the scholarship recipient's academic institution.
Award recipient will receive a complimentary student membership in CCAI.
Scholarship applications will also be submitted to the appropriate regional CCAI Chapter for consideration for their scholarship program, if applicable.

2025 Scholarship Recipients:

Jim Gallagher Award: Collin Grota
Iowa State University

Bob Warren Award: Samuel Hanson
South Dakota State University

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