Applications for First American Manufacturing Finance’s new Future Leaders of Manufacturing scholarship are being accepted.

In its first year, the $1,500 scholarship will be awarded to a college student pursuing a degree related to manufacturing industry. The program seeks students looking to bring new thinking and innovation to the manufacturing industry. Students studying engineering, manufacturing technology, CAD drafting and tool design, and robotics are encouraged to apply.

“Exciting and groundbreaking advances are happening in the manufacturing space, and we are excited to encourage the next generation of manufacturing talent,” said Jen Fitch, Senior Vice President at First American.

According to the National Associati on of Manufacturers (NAM) recent Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey, 72.9 percent of respondents listed attracting and retaining a quality workforce as a primary business challenge.

“We have the privilege of meeting with hundreds of manufacturing executives each year that are investing in software, robotics, and automation projects,” said David Neighbour, First American Senior Vice President. “Many cite a need for capable college graduates in the years ahead. We wanted to play a small part in addressing this long-term business challenge.”

How to apply: Scholarship applicants must submit an essay about how they plan to use their studies to become a future leader in the manufacturing industry. For more details or to apply for the scholarship, visit here.