Anna Alvarez, a sophomore in mechanical engineering with a minor in materials science, has received a scholarship from Nuts, Bolts, and Thingamajigs (NBT) to support her education in a manufacturing-related field.

The charitable foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA), NBT has awarded over $1M in scholarships to students whose educational programs lead them to careers in manufacturing. Alvarez received one of the 19 scholarships awarded to students across the country for the spring 2019 semester.

Alvarez’s relationship with NBT began when she joined the GADgET (Girls Adventuring in Design, Engineering, and Technology) Summer Camp at Triton College in River Grove, Illinois. The camp collaborates with NBT to teach young girls about the fields of manufacturing and engineering through hands-on learning. Alvarez started as a camper and returned as a high school student to work as a mentor in the camp.  It was this connection that introduced Alvarez to the scholarship opportunity.

The award includes a monetary sum that can go towards tuition, books, or school fees and it includes a one-year complimentary membership to FMA. The membership provides plenty of opportunities to stay connected with the manufacturing industry as well as networking opportunities with industry professionals.

For anyone interested in applying for a NBT scholarship, information can be found here.