National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement™ Awards Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarships to Two Registered Apprentices in Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing

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, and a strong commitment to building long-term careers in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing. The award provides financial support to help offset real-world expenses that can otherwise present barriers to continued participation in apprenticeship programs.

Maddison Spaulding was a passionate advocate for hands-on learning and skill-based career pathways. Her legacy continues through this scholarship, which supports apprentices who reflect her determination, work ethic, and belief in the power of opportunity.

This year’s scholarship recipients are:

• Kaye Pena – Applied Materials

• SJ Lares – Applied Materials

Both recipients demonstrated strong academic performance, resilience, and a clear commitment to long-term careers in advanced manufacturing. As first-generation Americans, they have navigated financial and personal challenges while maintaining focus on their education and apprenticeship pathways. Each has articulated defined career goals within the field and expressed a desire to mentor and support others pursuing similar opportunities.

“These apprentices exemplify the resilience, focus, and determination that Maddison represented,” said Mike Russo, President and CEO of NIICA. “By supporting their continued growth, we are reinforcing the importance of apprenticeship as a pathway to meaningful, high-value careers.”

Each recipient will receive a $1,000 scholarship to assist with expenses such as transportation, childcare, tools, or educational costs that support their continued success in apprenticeship.

“The Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship reflects our commitment to expanding access and opportunity in advanced manufacturing and tech-based industries,” said Nikki Zaahir, Executive Director of NIICA. “These recipients are building strong futures for themselves and contributing to the strength of our nation’s talent pipeline.”

NIICA remains dedicated to advancing skill-based learning and strengthening workforce pathways in semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, and tech-related industries. The scholarship will continue to recognize apprentices who demonstrate excellence, perseverance, and commitment to pursuing roles in these critical industries.

For more information about the Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship and future application cycles, visit www.niica.org/maddison-spaulding-scholarship.

About the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement 

NIICA is a 501(c)(3) organization that is responsible for a national strategy to build the talent pipeline to support strategic industry sectors – tech-based industries and advanced manufacturing tied to U.S. national security and global competitiveness.

NIICA is the nation's leader in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing talent pipeline development strategy and is responsible for establishing and expanding apprenticeships and learn-and-earn opportunities throughout the semiconductor and broader nanotechnology-related industries and advanced manufacturing supply chain. All related programming and support are being advanced through NIICA's Center for Skill-based Learning and the National Talent Pipeline Development Initiative.