Scholarships to Careers: Investing in Iowa’s Manufacturing Talent
August 11, 2025 | International Trade Plays Major Role in Iowa's Economy
For many years, manufacturers and industries have been struggling to find and build a strong talent pipeline and future workforce. Elevate Iowa Manufacturing, an initiative of the ABI Foundation, has a goal to shape the future workforce by promoting careers and educational opportunities in manufacturing.
Elevate Iowa Manufacturing is supporting eight deserving high school seniors who are studying an area of manufacturing at an Iowa community college through scholarships. These students from around Iowa shared their passion, background and dedication to their manufacturing field.
The 2025 Scholarship Recipients:
• Austin Downs, Louisa-Muscatine High School – Eastern Iowa Community College
• Colton Vander Wiel, North Mahaska High School – Hawkeye Community College
• Garin Schaffner, English Valleys High School – Indian Hills Community College
• Gideon Goodpaster, Mediapolis High School – Southeastern Community College
• Jenna Koons, Hampton-Dumont High School – North Iowa Community College
• Maxwell De Jong, Unity Christian High School – Northwest Iowa Community College
• Sawyer Toft, Audubon High School – Des Moines Area Community College
• Vainqueur Okonga, Iowa City High School – Kirkwood Community College
Elevate Iowa Manufacturing and the ABI Foundation are committed to advancing Iowa’s manufacturing workforce and supporting lifelong learning in the industry. Watch for exciting updates on the Elevate Iowa Manufacturing Tour and ABI’s Iowa Manufacturing Conference this October.
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