ELGIN, Ill. — A Trine University student has received a scholarship toward his post-secondary
studies from Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs® (NBT), the foundation of the Fabricators
& Manufacturers Association, International® (FMA).
Brenten Rodgers of Floyds Knobs, Indiana, a mechanical engineering major at Trine
University, was one of 25 students pursuing manufacturing careers who were announced
as winners on Dec. 14.
NBT awarded scholarships valued between $1,500 and $2,000 for the spring 2021 semester.
“We are pleased to award scholarships to these deserving students and are happy to
assist them in reaching their academic goals,” said Edward Youdell, president of NBT.
“They recognize that skilled manufacturing careers can be rewarding financially and
fulfilling personally. The knowledge and skills they obtain will help them be more
competitive in the current job market.
“The most difficult jobs to fill today are those in the skilled trades and engineering,”
added Youdell. “With majors in manufacturing technology, structural and pipe welding,
mechanical engineering, welding and metal fabrication, and electronic/computer controls
technology, these students will be prepared for the skilled labor openings that American
manufacturers must fill.”
Eligible applicants are full-time students who meet a specified minimum GPA and are
enrolled in a manufacturing-related course of study, engineering curriculum, or a
skilled trade program leading to a career in manufacturing. Students are responsible
for submitting academic records and a manufacturing-related program description with
each application.
In addition to the scholarship, each winner will receive a complimentary one-year
FMA student membership (valued at $25) and a 365-day license to the Student Design
Kit CAD software package from NBT’s industry partner, SolidWorks Corporation. The
Student Design Kit is an easy-to-learn, Windows-based 3D CAD application that gives
students the ability to create “real-life” 3D designs they can easily manipulate.
Since 1990, NBT has awarded over 560 scholarships valued at more than $1.1 million
to students who will become the next generation of manufacturing professionals. Scholarships
are awarded twice each year for the fall and spring semesters. The application is
open from July 1-Sept. 30 for spring awards and Jan. 1-March 31 for fall awards. For
more information, visit nbtfoundation.org/scholarships.
Last Updated: 12/16/2020
