Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators: SkyWater Foundation Fund Awards $100K in Scholarships

The SkyWater Foundation Fund, established by the Oxbow Foundation and SkyWater Technology, has again awarded $100,000 in scholarships to 10 remarkable students through its third annual scholarship program. Each recipient will receive $10,000 to support their pursuit of higher education in STEM fields like electrical engineering, computer science, biomedical engineering, and neuroscience.

This program reflects Oxbow's and SkyWater's ongoing commitment to fueling innovation by investing in the talent pipeline that will drive the future of technology. By easing the financial burden of higher education, the scholarships give students the freedom to focus on discovery, creativity, and building the skills needed to solve tomorrow's toughest challenges.

Addressing a Critical Need

The U.S. semiconductor industry and the broader tech sector is facing a well-documented talent shortage. Fields that require advanced technical training continue to see significant gaps in workforce readiness. We view this challenge as an opportunity to step up and support the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators.

The Foundation's scholarship initiative is part of a broader effort to close that gap, one student at a time. By supporting talented individuals with a passion for STEM, we're helping ensure the strength and sustainability of the nation's future tech workforce.

A Competitive, Purpose-Driven Program

This year's scholarship drew significant interest, with applications quickly reaching the 1,000-entry cap.

Applicants were evaluated on a combination of academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and personal statements that reflected their educational and career goals. Eligible students included recent high school graduates and current undergraduates enrolled full-time at accredited colleges, universities, and technical schools for the current academic year.

Many applicants were also first-generation college students forging new paths for themselves and their families. The Foundation's goal isn't only to support students financially, but also to acknowledge their resilience, ambition, and commitment to bettering their communities through science and technology. The SkyWater Foundation Fund is proud to stand behind them as they take the next steps in their academic and professional journeys.

Inspiring Stories from This Year's Recipients

The students selected for this year's awards are enrolled in programs at institutions such as Washington University in St. Louis, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and the University of Michigan. Their academic interests range from electrical engineering to neuroscience, but they share a common passion for pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

"The scholarship has alleviated the financial burdens of pursuing my dream of becoming an engineer," said Brook A., a double major in electrical engineering and computer science at Washington University.

"Learning has been the great love of my life," shared Archisha P., a neuroscience student at the University of Michigan. "The SkyWater scholarship has given me the incredible gift to pursue it."

In addition to helping cover tuition, the scholarship frees up time and bandwidth for students to focus on research, participate in extracurriculars, or engage in service projects, all of which contribute to their growth as future leaders.

Building a Brighter Tomorrow

Since launching in 2022, the program has provided support to 30 students and counting. Each year, we're inspired by the stories and aspirations of the applicants, and honored to play a small role in helping them realize their dreams.

"We're proud to champion not just academic excellence, but also the aspirations of students, some of whom are the first in their families to pursue higher education," said Oxbow Foundation Director Elise Unterseher. "Supporting STEM education is more than a philanthropic effort, it's an investment in the future of American innovation."

The SkyWater Foundation Fund, Inc. was established through a partnership between Oxbow Foundation and SkyWater Technology, designed to strengthen the domestic STEM pipeline and bolster workforce development in the U.S. semiconductor industry. Through this collaboration, the Oxbow Foundation contributes up to $100,000 annually to the scholarship program. To ensure fair and effective management, these scholarships are administered by Scholarship America, a reputable nonprofit that oversees the application and selection process. Each year Scholarship America distributes awards of up to $10,000 each to as many as ten students.

As SkyWater continues to expand its impact in the semiconductor industry, we remain focused on cultivating the talent that will drive the next wave of technological advancement. The scholarship program is just one way we're helping create a more inclusive, skilled, and resilient workforce for tomorrow.

Learn more about how SkyWater is investing in people, progress, and the power of possibility at skywatertechnology.com.