Lynnwood Today: Lynnwood Student Receives Manufacturing Scholarship

A Lynnwood man studying manufacturing technology at Lake Washington Institute of Technology was one of two students awarded scholarships from Leading2Lean, a lean manufacturing software company.

Christian Hogue of Lynnwood and McKenzie Gross of Granite Falls each received a $1,250 scholarship award. Both are studying welding technology, a high-demand trade skill, and both are first-generation college students.

“We are living through an incredible skills gap in the manufacturing trade industry right now,” says Keith Barr, CEO and President of Leading2Lean. “The majority of students aren’t aware of this gap and the resulting high-paying and in-demand jobs that are available because of it. McKenzie and Christian understand the value in earning an education for such a skill, and we are truly honored to help them in their journey.”

Leading2Lean launched its Manufacturing Scholarship Fund in 2018 in an effort to support students who are pursuing an education in the manufacturing field. The company has also pledged to promote worker engagement in the industry. Currently, manufacturing has a critical shortage of skilled workers.

According to the Manufacturing Institute, an estimated 3.5 million manufacturing jobs will need to be filled over the next ten years, and 2 million of those jobs will go unfilled. LWTech’s School of Manufacturing is assisting in filling this gap by offering students manufacturing degrees in welding, machining, electronics and photonics technology.

“Industry support, like that of Leading2Lean, helps to remove barriers to education for LWTech students,” commented LWTech President, Dr. Amy Morrison. “Scholarships are an integral part of our student’s pathway to completing their program and successfully entering the workforce.”

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