A new national scholarship launched from De Smet, South Dakota, aims to cultivate the next generation of manufacturing leaders. The Audrey Saylor Scholarship for Manufacturing, founded by business leader Audrey Saylor, is now accepting applications from undergraduate students across the United States who demonstrate a passion for creative problem-solving and technological advancement in modern manufacturing.
The scholarship addresses the growing demand for skilled talent in complex supply chains, engineering, and industrial operations. As the manufacturing sector evolves with global market shifts, this initiative provides financial support and national recognition to students preparing to shape the future of American industry. The program reflects Saylor's own career journey, which transitioned from education to co-founding American Engineered Products (AEP) in 2004. Over two decades as Vice President and owner, Saylor guided AEP to become a global pioneer in specialized metal manufacturing for the casino and video lottery markets. Now, she channels that expertise into supporting emerging scholars nationwide.
“Modern manufacturing relies on continuous adaptation, precision engineering, and bold ideas,” said Saylor. “This scholarship exists to support students who possess the vision and determination to solve real-world industrial challenges.”
The scholarship is open to undergraduate students at any accredited two-year or four-year college or university in the United States, with no residency requirement. Applicants must be pursuing a degree or career path aligned with modern manufacturing, including industrial engineering, mechanical design, supply chain management, materials science, or business operations. They must also submit an original essay of 500 to 700 words responding to a prompt that draws inspiration from Saylor's 20-year history of innovation in the casino and lottery industries. The essay should explain how the applicant plans to bring fresh, creative problem-solving or technological innovation to their chosen field within modern manufacturing.
The selected recipient will receive a one-time grant of $1,000 to assist with higher education expenses. The application deadline is March 15, 2027, and the winner will be announced on April 15, 2027. Students from all fifty states are encouraged to apply online before the deadline.
This scholarship comes at a critical time for the manufacturing industry, which faces a skills gap as experienced workers retire and technology reshapes production processes. By investing in undergraduate talent, the program aims to foster innovation and ensure the sector remains competitive globally. For business leaders, this initiative highlights the importance of private-sector involvement in workforce development, potentially inspiring similar efforts in other industries.
The Audrey Saylor Scholarship for Manufacturing is based in De Smet, South Dakota, and supports students pursuing careers in engineering, design, operations, and industrial technology. For more information about the scholarship and application requirements, interested students can visit the official website at Audrey Saylor Scholarship.
