To learn more about eligibility, requirements and to submit applications for the Fall 2022 campaign, visit the PMAEF Scholarship website here.

Spring 2022

Sean Adams – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Aerospace Engineering

Scholarship Amount

Sean is currently attending Henry Abbot Technical High School, a vocational school where students can earn a high school diploma and a trade certificate. There, he spends most of his time in their precision machine shop. In 2021, he was inducted into the National Honor Society and was chosen as a senior ambassador to help first-year students transition from middle school to high school. As a senior ambassador, Sean goes above and beyond to make himself available to students who have questions, helping ease their fears as they enter a new school.

In addition, Sean works in his trade at a machine shop that produces test equipment for the food industry. After college, he hopes to get hired by an aerospace company where he can utilize his experience in the manufacturing field and the knowledge he plans to gain while at Embry-Riddle to change the world.

Garrison Gray – Calhoun Community College/Bruderer Machinery, Advanced Manufacturing Technology

Scholarship Amount

Garrison is involved in the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program at Calhoun Community College and is an employee at Bruderer Machinery. Through both involvements, he hopes to obtain the training and skills needed to pursue his interests as a career. According to Garrison, the combination of academics and hands-on learning has taught him the importance of problem-solving when it comes to electrical and mechanical issues and rebuilding high-speed stamping presses. He is also learning the importance of precision mechanics, safety and proper wiring procedures when building machinery. In addition, both FAME and Bruderer Machinery have taught him the 5s Framework organizational skills and their importance in creating a safe work area and improving the quality of products. Garrison has a great work ethic and truly enjoys all aspects of the manufacturing work environment.

From the time he was old enough to walk, he was always interested in how things work. Garrison’s parents say that he used to take everything apart that he could get his hands on. That same interest and skill have followed him as he’s grown, and over time, he has gotten his hands on much larger projects. For example, when he was in eighth grade, his grandfather gave him an old 2-stroke dirt bike with a blown engine. A mechanic had disassembled it before it was given to him, so he received the frame and wheels in black trash bags and four Folgers Coffee cans full of nuts and bolts. Less than five hours later, he had the entire bike reassembled and made plans to contact a dealer about the motor. This was Garrison’s first experience in mechanics and a large part of what sparked his interest in the field.

He later gained further experience working on a John Deere Gator and numerous small engine tools such as chainsaws, weed eaters and pressure washers. In addition, his part-time job at the Limestone Farmer’s Co-Op allowed him to weld and work on mechanical issues with farming equipment. Garrison believes he has found his calling and is looking forward to a successful career.

Adrienne Lister – University of Arkansas, Masters of Science in Operations Management

Scholarship Amount

- PMA Educational Foundation: $500
- Southeast District: $500
- Total: $1,000

Over the years, Adrienne has come to love the world of manufacturing, as she believes it is an industry of opportunity. She appreciates that you don't have to have a degree and can still excel in the field. The diversity of thought that she experienced in manufacturing-related meetings is far beyond anything she experienced in a college classroom. At both Gerdau and Heidtman, she feels surrounded by a good group of people that have aided in her learning and given her the confidence to share her ideas and implement them. 

She likes to be involved in all parts of the company. Along with the roles she has been hired to do, she was also a part of the community committee and recruiting team for Gerdau. In addition, she joined the safety committee and auditing team at Heidtman. She tries to lend a hand whenever she can, including painting a bathroom when it is needed. Adrienne thinks leading by example is important and sharing your talents, whether they be knowledge of steel to painting skills, is how we can continue fostering the great manufacturing community we have today.