Scholarship, established to honor the legacy of a dedicated apprentice, supports Registered Apprentices (RAs) as they pursue careers in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing
HANOVER, Md., Feb. 18, 2025 -- The National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ (NIICA) has selected five outstanding RAs as recipients of the Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship, in its first year, celebrates the memory and legacy of Maddison Spaulding, a trailblazing RA at Applied Materials in NIICA's Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductors (GAINS) program.
Spaulding was a passionate advocate for skill-based learning and career advancement through apprenticeships. Spaulding's legacy lives on through this scholarship, which provides financial assistance to apprentices facing barriers, to support and uplift them as they pursue careers in these critical industries.
This year's scholarship recipients are:
- Allison Horst – Moog
- Ashley Salgado – Micron
- Heather Houchin – Micron
- Makayla Lasswell – Micron
- Quazi Ummehany – NY CREATES
Each of these apprentices has demonstrated resilience, a commitment to professional growth, and a passion for advancing in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing—fields traditionally underrepresented by women. From balancing rigorous technical training with mentorship and leadership, to overcoming personal challenges in pursuit of a high-value career, these recipients exemplify the dedication and determination that defined Spaulding's journey. Their success stories serve as a testament to the power of RAs in opening doors to meaningful, well-paying careers while strengthening the industry's workforce for the future.
"Allison's dedication and enthusiasm for advanced manufacturing have made a strong impact at Moog. Her drive to excel and commitment to hands-on learning embody the values we strive to cultivate. We are proud to see her recognized with the Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship and look forward to her continued success," said David Seweryniak, MEC Performance Leader at Moog.
"Heather has demonstrated exceptional dedication and perseverance in her apprenticeship, embodying the qualities that make a lasting impact in advanced manufacturing. We are proud to support her journey at Micron and thrilled to see her recognized as a recipient of the Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship," said Maggie Baker, Idaho Registered Apprenticeship Program Lead at Micron.
"Ashley and Makayla are both outstanding apprentices who have embraced every challenge with determination and drive. Their commitment to growth and excellence in manufacturing is inspiring, and we are excited to see them honored with this well-deserved recognition through the Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship," said Courtney Adams, Virginia Registered Apprenticeship Program Leader at Micron.
"Quazi Ummehany, who works as a Cleanroom Operator at the New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science (NY CREATES), has a clear passion for innovation and is committed to skills development, making her a true asset to NY CREATES as we seek to drive the R&D and develop the workforce that will enable success of the U.S. semiconductor industry. This scholarship is a testament to her dedication and potential, and we are proud to support her as she continues to break new ground," said NY CREATES Vice President for Education and Workforce Development Dr. Robert Geer.
"These five apprentices embody the values and determination that Maddison stood for," said Mike Russo, President and CEO of NIICA. "Through their perseverance and commitment to excellence, they are not only advancing their own careers but also paving the way for future generations of women in manufacturing."
The five $1,000 scholarships the apprentices will receive are for important needs such as transportation, childcare, and essential learning tools like laptops—barriers that often prevent individuals from entering apprenticeships.
"This scholarship is more than financial support—it's about breaking barriers and ensuring that women have a strong, visible presence in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing. By investing in these apprentices, we are fostering the next generation of female leaders who will drive innovation, mentor others, and reshape the future of this industry," said Nikki Zaahir, Executive Director of NIICA.
NIICA remains committed to expanding opportunity and access for all individuals to pursue high-quality career pathways in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing. This scholarship program will continue to support apprentices who exemplify the drive and passion for excellence in manufacturing, helping to build a strong and skilled workforce to support our nation's talent pipeline.
For more information about the Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship and future application cycles, visit www.niica.org/maddison-spaulding-scholarship.
About the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement
NIICA is a 501(c)(3) organization that is responsible for a national strategy to build the talent pipeline to support strategic industry sectors – tech-based industries and advanced manufacturing tied to U.S. national security and global competitiveness.
NIICA is the nation's leader in semiconductor talent pipeline development strategy and is the U.S. Department of Labor's national RA industry Intermediary responsible for establishing and expanding RAs throughout the semiconductor and broader nanotechnology-related industries and advanced manufacturing supply chain. All related programming and support are being advanced through NIICA's Center for Skill-Based Learning and the National Talent Pipeline Development Initiative.
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