Honoring a Trailblazer:
The Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship
In honor of Maddison’s pioneering spirit, this scholarship supports women pursuing careers in semiconductor manufacturing
2025 Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship Recipients Announced
We are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship, awarded to five exceptional women who have demonstrated resilience, dedication, and leadership in their Registered Apprenticeships within the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries.
This year’s recipients are:
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Allison Horst – Moog
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Ashley Salgado – Micron
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Heather Houchin – Micron
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Makayla Lasswell – Micron
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Quazi Ummehany – NY CREATES
These apprentices embody the spirit of perseverance and excellence that Maddison championed, and we are honored to support them as they continue advancing their careers.
Check back later this year for details on the next round of scholarship applications. The 2026 application cycle will open in the fall, with more opportunities to support women pursuing careers in manufacturing through Registered Apprenticeships.
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At NIICA, we are honored to introduce the Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship, a tribute to a remarkable young woman and dedicated apprentice.
Maddison was the first female apprentice in our Growing Apprenticeships in Nanotechnology and Semiconductors (GAINS) Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program with Applied Materials in Texas, and an inspiration to everyone who knew her.
Her commitment to semiconductor manufacturing and her fellow apprentices continues to inspire us, and through this scholarship, we aim to give Maddison an enduring voice that supports increasing female apprentice participation in the GAINS program across the United States.
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Maddison was not only an exemplary apprentice but also a passionate advocate for RAs as a vehicle to provide access to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. She believed deeply in the power of RAs to transform lives by opening doors to meaningful careers in semiconductor manufacturing and beyond.
Through this scholarship, we aim to keep Maddison’s voice as an ambassador for RAs alive, ensuring her enduring legacy continues to inspire and empower others to pursue their aspirations. Maddison’s unwavering belief in the opportunities provided through RAs remains at the heart of this initiative, encouraging more women to follow the path she championed.
About the Scholarship
The Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship offers five annual scholarships of $1,000 each to help female apprentices offset expenses related to participating in the GAINS program.
These scholarships aim to encourage more women to pursue careers in semiconductor manufacturing, continuing Maddison’s legacy of dedication and excellence. The scholarship officially launched on November 21, 2024, during National Apprenticeship Week’s Women in Manufacturing Day.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Maddison Spaulding Memorial Scholarship, applicants must:
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Identify as female
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Be accepted or enrolled in the GAINS program
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Demonstrate a commitment to a career in semiconductor or advanced manufacturing
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Be nominated by a supervisor or mentor at their apprenticeship company
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Provide one letter of recommendation from the nominating supervisor or mentor
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Submit a personal statement outlining their career goals and how the scholarship will help them achieve these goals
Application Process
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Complete the application form and the required documents, including high school or college transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and a personal statement.
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Submit all materials by January 31, 2025.
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The NIICA Advisory Board will review applications, and recipients will be notified by February 15, 2025.
Scholarship Disbursement: Scholarship funds will be distributed directly to the employer of the selected recipients to cover approved expenses related to the apprenticeship program, such as travel, childcare, and essential equipment. The employer will manage final disbursement to the recipient.
Application Form
Nomination Form
"Maddison’s passion for her work and her unwavering support for those around her truly set her apart. She wasn’t just an exceptional apprentice; she was a role model who inspired everyone she worked with.
Through this scholarship, we’re honored to carry forward her legacy by empowering other women to follow their dreams in semiconductor manufacturing."
-Clara Neri-Mejia, Program Manager, Global Training Institute, Applied Materials
