SkyWater Foundation awards $100,000 in scholarships to future STEM leaders

SkyWater Technology has announced they are awarding $100,000 in scholarships through its second annual SkyWater Foundation Scholarship Programme. 

SkyWater Technology is a US-based semiconductor manufacturer and a DMEA-accredited Category 1A Trusted Supplier.

This programme, in collaboration with the Oxbow Foundation, supports students in the USA pursuing higher education, particularly in STEM fields.

The scholarship programme addresses the growing need for skilled professionals in the semiconductor industry. 

"SkyWater is very pleased to partner with the Oxbow Foundation to offer these scholarships. Investing in higher education and helping students develop technical skills is essential for strengthening the U.S. workforce," stated Laura Lorenz, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at SkyWater Technology.

High school graduates and current college undergraduates with a minimum GPA of 3.0 were eligible to apply for the scholarships. Applicants needed to enrol full-time at an accredited institution for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

Selection criteria included academic performance, leadership, extracurricular activities, and a statement of educational and career goals. Due to high demand, Scholarship America managed the application process, which was capped at the first 1,000 submissions.

The scholarship recipients pursuing degrees in fields such as engineering physics, aerospace engineering, and computer science at institutions like Columbia, MIT, and Purdue will receive $10,000 each. 

Elise Unterseher, Director of the Oxbow Foundation, emphasised supporting future leaders in STEM, saying, “The Foundation takes pride in advancing STEM education and cultivating future leaders in the semiconductor industry through our scholarship programme.

“By making education more accessible, we align with our commitment to fostering learning. These scholarships empower students to pursue higher education, unlocking their potential for greater earning and success in their future careers.”

Recipients of the scholarship have expressed their gratitude for the financial support. 

Emerald W., an Aerospace Engineering student at Purdue's Honours College, said, “This scholarship will allow me to begin my first year 100% focused on the rigorous academic schedule needed for my major.” 

William S., a computer engineering student at George Mason University, remarked, “This scholarship is helping me face the biggest obstacle I have in my college career: the financial one.”

Julia Unterseher, Director at the Oxbow Foundation, reflected, ““We are proud that there have been 20 recipients of this scholarship over two years, and we are pleased to see our programme empower students in their academic and professional pursuits. We are also excited to support those who are pioneering higher education within their families, and we take pride in fostering their success.”