LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL – The Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI) Finishing Education Foundation announced that applications for the 2021 Matt Heuertz Scholarship Program are now being accepted. The program, which is administered by the CCAI Finishing Education Foundation (CCAIFEF), has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarship funds over the past five years. The primary objective of the program is to encourage students to pursue advanced education that can lead to a career in industrial finishing. Awards will be announced in June. 

CCAIFEF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization established to support education and training in the industrial finishing and coatings industry, including scholarship programs that support students whose academic endeavors could lead to a career in finishing. “Attracting new young talent is crucial to the future of our industry,” said CCAIFEF Executive Director Sheila LaMothe. “Each year we receive applications from an outstanding pool of students that are not only pursuing studies that could likely lead to a career in industrial finishing, but many of whom are already engaged in the industry through internships, summer employment and job shadow opportunities. We are committed to supporting students in their journey towards a career in finishing, and the scholarship program is an important component of this effort.”

The CCAIFEF Board of Directors will review qualified candidate applications for the National Scholarship Program. Applications will also be sent onto the appropriate CCAI regional chapter, when applicable, that provides additional scholarship funding for students residing in their chapter area. Award amounts vary and are determined by the CCAIFEF Board of Directors and individual chapters. Scholarship recipients also receive a free one-year CCAI student membership.

To view the criteria required to be a qualified applicant, the selection process, and to submit an application, visit www.ccaiweb.com, click on the EDUCATION tab, and scroll down to Scholarship Program. Students must complete a CCAIFEF National Scholarship application, provide a transcript or other grade verification and submit a resume with photo by the April 15, 2021, application deadline.