The IMA Education Foundation

The Janice Christiansen Scholarship supports Illinois women pursuing a degree in business at an Illinois institution of higher education.

Established in honor of Janice Christiansen—the first female Chair of the IMA Board of Directors—this scholarship continues her legacy of advancing women in manufacturing and leadership. Funded by her family, it empowers the next generation of women working to expand female representation in the industry.

Applications are due by June 1, 2026.

The Janice Christiansen Scholarship supports Illinois women pursuing degrees in STEM at an Illinois institution of higher education.

Established in honor of Janice Christiansen—the first female Chair of the IMA Board of Directors—this scholarship continues her legacy of advancing women in manufacturing and leadership. Funded by her family, it empowers the next generation of women working to expand female representation in the industry.

A  $3,750 scholarship is available: one for a female pursuing STEM.

Applications are due by June 1, 2026.

Applications for both scholarships are due by June 1, 2026.

$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 awards $2,000 to an Illinois community college student pursuing a career in the skilled trades, with a focus on manufacturing.

Created in honor of former IMA Board Member Lynne Mohr, this scholarship carries forward her passion for strengthening the manufacturing workforce. Funded through the generosity of her family and her cousin George Maurer’s long-distance cycling journeys, it supports the next generation of skilled professionals.

Applications are due by June 1, 2026.

Encourage a deserving student to apply today!

The Mama Susie’s Scholarship for Advancing Women Working in Manufacturing supports immigrant women in Illinois who are building careers in the manufacturing industry.

Named in honor of Mama Susie—whose resilience and spirit continue to inspire—this scholarship celebrates the strength, skill, and determination of women shaping the future of manufacturing.

One $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a female Illinois resident who identifies as an immigrant, is currently enrolled in an Illinois institution of higher education, and is working at an Illinois manufacturing facility.

Applications are due by June 1, 2026.

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.