The IMA Education Foundation

$2,000 Lynne Mohr Scholarship Now Open for Skilled Trades Students!

Know a hardworking Illinois community college student pursuing the skilled trades? The Lynne Mohr Scholarship is awarding $2,000 in unrestricted funds to one deserving individual planning a career in manufacturing! Applications are open through Friday, May 23, 2025. Lynne Mohr, a passionate former IMA Board Member, lost her battle with cancer—but her legacy lives on. Her family launched this scholarship through the IMA Education Foundation, funded by epic bicycle rides across the U.S. and Europe by her cousin, George Maurer. From the Chicago suburbs to Montana, and most recently across the Arctic Circle—his journey fuels futures in manufacturing.

Encourage a deserving student to apply today!

We are proud to introduce Mama Susie’s Scholarship for Advancing Women Working in Manufacturing, a meaningful initiative designed to support immigrant women who are forging their path in this field. Named in honor of Mama Susie—whose resilience and spirit continue to inspire generations—this scholarship celebrates the power of women working in manufacturing and aims to lift up those who are building their futures through skill, innovation, and perseverance.

The number one challenge facing employers is the ability to find talented workers possessing the right knowledge and skills to help companies compete in today’s marketplace.  All too often, young people simply don’t know the wide array of career opportunities manufacturing offers.

We can change that through Manufacturing Month in October.

When manufacturers work with area middle and high schools to expose young people to manufacturing, it opens the door to a better understanding of the world in which we live and gives spark to the creative spirit. Manufacturing Month in Illinois is the best statewide platform to collectively advance industry as a career of first choice.

Led by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association in partnership with Education Systems Center (EdSystems) at Northern Illinois University, Scaling Transformative Advanced Manufacturing Pathways (STAMP) will seed the launch, enhancement, and expansion of high-quality manufacturing college and career pathway programs in nine community college regions, 19 school districts, and 31 high schools. In 2022 and 2023, STAMP will serve over 1,400 high-risk youth ages 16+ who face one or more barriers to education, training, and employment.