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Scholarship Programs

The Matt Heuertz and CCAI Chapter scholarship programs attract bright new talent to the industrial finishing and coatings industry. Over the past several years, more than $125,000 in scholarships have been awarded to students enrolled in programs that could lead to a career in the finishing/coatings industry. Donations to the Matt Heuertz and CCAI Chapter scholarship programs are allocated to the donor’s identified program of choice with 100% of the donation going directly to students.

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Matt Heuertz Scholarship Program

Each year, CCAI FEF solicits applications for the Matt Heuertz Scholarship Program honoring the first CCAI Executive Director, who served for 16 years. This scholarship program provides funding for selected students that meet application requirements. The primary objective is to encourage education in finishing and coating technologies.

 Jim Gallagher Award

The Jim Gallagher Scholarship Award is presented to the most outstanding scholarship applicant. This award was established in 2022 in honor of long-time CCAI member Jim Gallagher, who served on the National Board of Directors as well as the Wisconsin Chapter Board of Directors for many years. Jim participated on the Education Committee and co-authored and edited countless CCAI technical manuals.

 Bob Warren Award

This award was established to recognize the endless contributions and dedication of Bob Warren, longtime CCAI national Board of Directors member and officer, West Michigan Chapter Board member and officer, and CCAI FEF Board member and officer. Bob and his wife Carole are also founding members of CCAI FEF. The recipient of the Bob Warren Award is selected by the CCAI FEF board of directors. Supported by Sames.

Program Goals
  • Provide financial assistance to students enrolled in programs that could lead to a career in the finishing/coatings industry.
  • Stimulate interest in finishing.
  • Encourage finishing-related curriculum.
  • Gain exposure for the finishing/coatings industry.
Student Criteria
  • High school senior planning to attend university or technical college, or a current university or technical college student. Only undergraduates are eligible to apply.
  • Sincere interest in supervision, production & processing, engineering, management, chemistry or quality control in the finishing/coatings industry.
  • Minimum of 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
  • Enrolled in a technical or degree granting program that would qualify the student to be hired into the industrial finishing/coatings industry.
Information Required from Student Applicants
  • Scholarship application
  • Transcript or other grade verification
  • Essay that includes
    • Career objectives
    • Experiences that have contributed to your interest in finishing
    • Extra-curricular activities, interests, and community involvement
  • Reference letter*
  • Resume
  • If awarded a scholarship, you will be asked to provide a photo for recognition purposes.

*Acceptable letter of recommendation sources include guidance counselor or academic advisor, teacher or professor, co-op or internship advisor, or similar.

NOTE: Repeat applicants must submit a new letter of recommendation as well as a significantly updated essay that details what you’ve learned and how you’ve developed since your previous application.

Selection Process
  • A completed application accompanied by noted required information must be submitted by the annual application deadline.
  • The applications submission time is normally the first quarter of each calendar year.
  • All applications will be reviewed by the CCAI FEF Board of Directors.
  • Scholarship award winners are typically notified in June.
Award Process
  • Award amounts vary. Maximum award $5000.
  • Number of awards and awards amounts will be determined by the CCAI FEF Board of Directors.
  • Awards will be sent directly to the scholarship recipient’s academic institution.
  • Award recipients will receive a complimentary CCAI student membership.
  • Scholarship applications will also be submitted to the appropriate regional CCAI Chapter for consideration for their scholarship program, if applicable.
Applications now being accepted

Application deadline is April 11, 2025.

CCAI Chapter Scholarship Programs

Twin Cities Chapter

The CCAI Twin Cities Chapter understands the important role an education plays in a student’s development and believes that education is the key to success. With the increasing cost of education, pursuing education beyond high school requires dedicated funds and time. The Twin Cities Chapter scholarship program provides funding for high school and college students, as well as people in the industry that are going back to school to advance their education. Awards are between $750 and $1,500 each.

West Michigan Chapter

The Woody Booher Scholarship Fund was established in 2015 in recognition of Woody’s decades of dedication and continued leadership of the CCAI West Michigan Chapter. Since its inception, the scholarship committee has awarded and distributed more than $10,000 through the program.

Wisconsin Chapter

The CCAI Wisconsin Chapter awards monetary scholarships to promote interest and awareness of career opportunities in the finishing/coatings industry. Scholarships are awarded to individuals studying finishing related fields including chemistry, environmental studies, business administration, and engineering, among others.

In addition to a number of general awards, the Wisconsin Chapter offers three named scholarships in recognition of CCAI members who made an impact on the association.

  • James F. Wright Scholarship
  • David J. Wright Scholarship
  • James Steffes Scholarship

Scholarship awards typically range from $500 to $2,500.

Donate to a Scholarship Program