Wichita Manufacturers Association Celebrates Student Achievement at Annual Scholarship Ceremony

WICHITA, Kan. – May 21, 2026 – The Wichita Manufacturers Association (WMA) recently recognized outstanding students pursuing careers in manufacturing and related fields during its annual scholarship ceremony, celebrating the next generation of Kansas’ workforce.

Scholarship Program Impact

Since 1993, WMA has supported students across Kansas through its scholarship program, encouraging careers in manufacturing, accounting, and other industry-support roles. Funded by contributions from WMA members and community partners, the program connects students with opportunities in high-demand fields. At this year’s event, WMA awarded $50,500 in scholarships to 35 students, recognizing their academic achievement, career aspirations, and commitment to the manufacturing industry. Individual awards typically range from $1,000 to $2,000 and are applied directly toward tuition and educational expenses.

Honoring a Lasting Legacy

Among the scholarships awarded were several established to honor pillars of the Wichita manufacturing community, including former WMA board members, Jim Callaway, Ellen Shofler, and Sam Jones, whose leadership and service left a lasting impact on the organization.

The program also honors excellence through the Methe Memorial Scholarship and recognizes the impact of women in the industry through the Women in Manufacturing Scholarship, celebrating trailblazers such as Connie Palacios and her enduring legacy of Rosie the Riveter. Together, these honors reflect WMA’s commitment to recognizing those who have shaped the region’s manufacturing industry while investing in its future workforce.

 Supporting the Future Workforce

 The annual ceremony brings together students, educators, manufacturers, and community leaders to highlight the importance of workforce development in South Central Kansas and recognize both recipients and sponsors. “The scholarship program is one of the crown jewels of WMA’s 110-year legacy of giving back to manufacturers, the local community, and those pursuing careers in manufacturing,” said Jeff Methe, WMA President. “It is especially meaningful to see individuals and companies come together to support the next generation. For me personally, contributing through this program is a way to honor the memory of my parents, Joseph and Detta Methe, who believed strongly in education, community, and the future of manufacturing. For anyone looking for a meaningful way to give back, I wholeheartedly recommend supporting the WMA Scholarship Program.”

Recipients represent a wide range of schools across Kansas – including technical colleges, community colleges, and state universities – and are pursuing degrees in fields such as engineering, welding, aviation, and advanced manufacturing. Established to address workforce needs in the manufacturing sector, the program continues to grow, supporting students at every stage of their education. WMA extends its gratitude to the sponsors and partners whose contributions make this program possible.

WMA would like to give special recognition to those organizations and individuals that sponsored named scholarships from $1,000 to $4,000 in 2026.

• Allen, Gibbs, & Houlik, L.C.
• Bradbury Group
• Fidelity Bank
• Globe Engineering Co., Inc. Albert H. Nelson Scholarships (5)
• Great Plains Ventures, Inc. – Charlie Peer Memorial
• Jim Callaway Family Legacy Scholarship
• Jim Callaway Memorial
• Joseph and Detta Methe Scholarship
• JPMorgan Chase
• Kansas Oklahoma Machine Tools (KOMT)
• Metal Arts – Don Gray Memorial Scholarship
• Metal Arts Scholarship
• MetalPros
• NIAR
• Sam Jones Memorial
• The Society for the Advancement of Manufacturing- In honor of Wayne Orr
• Vermillion
• WMA Scholarship In honor of Ellen Shofler
• WMA Women in Manufacturing Scholarship
• Workforce Alliance of South-Central Kansas
• WSU Tech (2)

Additional scholarships were funded by WMA general membership and designated gifts from the following members:

• Adams Brown, LLC
• Advance Catastrophe Technologies
• AGCO
• Bob Brill
• Cindy Highbarger, Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics
• Dondlinger Construction
• Gravity::Works Architecture
• Jim Taylor
• Ron Garcia, BG Products
• Scott Ruud, Form Systems
• Steven Keith, Aero Space Controls Corp.
• Titan Industries, LLC

For more information about the Wichita Manufacturers Association scholarship program or how to become a sponsor, visit: WMA Scholarships