LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL – The Chemical Coaters Association International Finishing Education Foundation (CCAIFEF) announced scholarship recipients for this year. Since 1992, CCAI has awarded scholarship money from the CCAI Matt Heuertz Scholarship Fund to students enrolled in programs that could lead to a career in coatings and finishing. 2020 marks the first year the scholarships are being awarded through CCAI’s Finishing Education Foundation (CCAIFEF), a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization. The CCAIFEF Board of Directors reviewed applications from qualified students and determined the scholarship winners.

CCAIFEF awarded a total of $14,500 in scholarships to 10 deserving students. “As always, we received applications from an impressive group of students. What is particularly special about this year’s award winners is that in addition to pursuing studies in areas related to industrial finishing, they already have experience working in the industry through internships, co-ops or job shadowing,” 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.”

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 the 2020 Matt Heuertz Scholarship are Genna Andreae, University of Wisconsin-Platteville;  Andrew Drake, University of Louisville; Ashley Haus, University of St. Thomas; William Martin, University of Cincinnati; Austen Pawlaczyk, University of Toledo; Sydney Preston, University of Cincinnati; Casey Roeser, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Mark Rupert, University of Cincinnati; Celine Schmitt, University of Cincinnati; and Emily Schreiber, Miami University.

Further congratulations are offered to the winners of CCAI Chapter Scholarships. In addition to the national awards, the Twin Cities, West Michigan and Wisconsin CCAI chapters awarded approximately $20,000 through their own scholarships for students in their regions.

CCAIFEF accepts scholarship applications each year beginning in January. Applications can be submitted online at www.ccaiweb.com.