Mold component supplier awards plastics industry scholarships

DME notes that, with the trend of students shying away from manufacturing disciplines and an aging population of skilled workers, the plastics industry faces a major human resources challenge. The scholarship program is just one of the ways DME is taking action to attract new minds to the industry.

This year’s winners of $1000 scholarships are:
• Jason McNulty, University of Wisconsin—Stout
• Kevin Backoefer, Penn State Erie, the Behrend College
• Amanda Zapatka, University of Massachusetts—Lowell

To qualify for the scholarship, students must be enrolled in a plastics program at any accredited trade school or university with a two-year certificate, two-year associate, or four-year bachelor’s degree program. Applicants who are enrolled in related coursework are also considered if they demonstrate a strong academic emphasis and interest in plastics.

Along with an application, students were required to submit a transcript, personal statement, and recommendations for review. DME’s selection committee considered a variety of factors including academic achievement, interest in the field, and personal qualities to determine the winners.

The company also offers grants and scholarships to its customers for continuing education, an extension of the popular DME Plastics University that was created to aid new plastics industry students and professionals.

DME scholarship applications for the spring 2011 semester are available online and will be accepted until Dec. 1, 2010. —Clare Goldsberry