Scholarship honoring the legacy of a dedicated apprentice supports female apprentices pursuing careers in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing HANOVER, MD – The National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ (NIICA) has named two Registered Apprentices (RAs) as recipients of the 2026 Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship . Established in memory of Maddison Spaulding, the scholarship recognizes female apprentices who demonstrate resilience, academic dedication

At NIICA, our mission is to help ensure the nation has a strong, sustainable talent pipeline to support strategic industries—particularly advanced manufacturing and technology sectors critical to U.S. national security, global competitiveness, and continued leadership in innovation. We advance this mission by building structured, scalable programs and systems that align closely with industry needs and expand access to high-quality careers.  As you know, this work continues ev

By Mike Russo, President & CEO, NIICA  The single greatest threat to America’s semiconductor ambition isn’t capital or technology—it’s the shortage of skilled workers needed to support the industry.   As we mark National Semiconductor Day today, first established by NIICA through a congressional resolution, it underscores that America’s economic future and national security depend on whether we can address this shortage. Semiconductors are now the foundation of every critical