Opportunities for Undergrad, Graduate and CTE Students
Do you know a hardworking, deserving student looking for financial support for education? Spread the word! The ILMA Foundation Scholarship Program offers scholarships for undergrad, graduate, as well as community and technical education (CTE) students. The program aims to encourage students in a range of studies to consider a career in lubricant manufacturing.
The application period for the 2026-2027 school year will open January 2026.
ILMA Foundation “Move the World Forward” Scholarship
The ILMA Foundation’s “Move the World Forward” Scholarship seeks to raise awareness of career opportunities in lubricant manufacturing. It is an award of $3,500 per year and is renewable based on maintenance of a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Any rising or current undergraduate or community and technical education (CTE) student may apply.
Elmer B. Cleves Scholarship
Elmer B. Cleves excelled both in the classroom and in athletic pursuits. The Elmer B. Cleves Scholarship will be awarded to a scholar-athlete who lettered in at least one varsity sport in high school, and who is going on to study science and/or entrepreneurship in college. The scholarship will provide $5,000 per year with a possible maximum of four years per student.
Taglia Scholarship
James A. Taglia is an ILMA Past President and served on the ILMA Board of Directors from 2000 to 2013. Taglia formed ILMA’s Industry Task Force, which initiated the signature testing program that helps enforce our Code of Ethics. The Taglia Scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding student, preferably majoring in chemistry, and preferably from the Taglias’ home states of Minnesota or Ohio. The scholarship will provide $3,500 per year.
Ike Tripp Scholarship
Ike Tripp was CEO/Owner of Etna Products, Inc. from 1990 to 2020. Tripp was ILMA President in 1993-1994 and he served on the ILMA Board from 1987–1996. While President, Tripp founded the ILMA Health & Safety Task Force to address concerns about occupational exposure to metalworking fluids produced by many ILMA member companies. That task force is now a full committee of ILMA called the Safety, Health, Environment and Regulatory Affairs Committee (SHERA). The Ike Tripp Scholarship will be awarded to exceptional students who are enrolled in a 4- or 5-year program of study and majoring in chemistry, chemical engineering and/or entrepreneurship/business. The scholarship will provide $5,000 per year.
Bob Jackson Award
A one-time award of $5,000 ($4,000 awarded at the beginning of research and $1,000 awarded after the research report summary is received by the ILMA Foundation), honoring ILMA Past President Bob Jackson for initiating the ILMA Scholarship Program. For graduate students only, to encourage the pursuit of a degree or career in tribology. Contact Tim Mack at tmack@ilma.org to apply for the Bob Jackson award.
Help Us Spread the Word!
Help us spread the word! Share our flyer with your employees or post in your workplace. The more awareness we raise about these scholarships, the more deserving students we can support and the greater impact we can have on our industry.
The ILMA Foundation is Making a Difference
ILMA Foundation Scholarship Recipient, Rachel Hauserman, shares her experience working at Afton Chemical for the past eight years.
ILMA is Proud to Present the 2025-2026 ILMA Foundation Scholarship Recipients
Move the World Forward Scholarship
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Danielle Howard
of Freehold, New Jersey, is a freshman at Bucknell University studying environmental science. Her father, Carl Howard, works for Infineum USA L.P.
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Andrew Valentino
of Wyckoff, New Jersey, is a freshman at Fairfield University studying finance. His father, James Valentino, works for Infineum USA L.P.
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Moises Munoz Paredes
of Auburn, Alabama, is a junior at Auburn University studying mechanical engineering with a minor in tribology. He was encouraged to apply for the program by Dr. Robert Jackson, the head of the tribology program at Auburn.
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Delaney Joyce
of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, is a freshman at the Ohio State University studying in the integrated business and engineering honors program. Her father, Matt Joyce, works for HF Sinclair.
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Viraaj Nindra
of Houston, Texas, is a freshman at Northeastern University studying computer science. His father, Singh Nindra, works for Phillips 66.
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Mark Genest
of Atkinson, New Hampshire, is a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire, studying mechanical engineering. He was the 2024-2025 Elmer B. Cleves Award winner.
Bob Jackson Award
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Daniel Miliate
of Merced, California, is a Ph.D student at the University of California, Merced studying mechanical engineering. He was encouraged to apply for the program by Ashlie Martini, his Ph.D adviser and tribologist.
Elmer B. Cleves Award
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Ella Stephens
of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a freshman at Auburn University, studying biochemistry. Her father, Wade Stephens, works for SupplyPro.
Taglia Award
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Dakota Neuls
of Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey, is a senior at Rowan University studying chemistry. Her mother, Dawn Nuels, works for Acme-Hardesty Co.
Ike Tripp Award
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Rachel Ly
of Woodside, New York, is a junior at Stony Brook University studying chemical and molecular engineering with a business specialization. Rachel is an intern at Koehler Instrument Co.
Vocational / Trade Scholarship
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Brooke Nuckols
of Lynchburg, Virginia, is a student at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in the Integrated Machining Technology program. She was encouraged to apply for the program by QualiChem, which utilizes her program’s machine shop.
We need your support!
Contributions to the ILMA Foundation are an investment in our industry.
The ILMA Foundation has awarded more than $700,000 to 232 deserving young students, and has expanded its mission to include industry education and training programs. As we watch the “silver tsunami” of talent washing out the door — which only swelled during the pandemic — we know there aren’t enough young people with the STEM education and skills to fill the empty talent pools left in labs and on the shop floor. Attracting prospective workers to the lubricants industry is a big focus for the ILMA Foundation. You can play a part in this critical work by contributing today. Your tax-deductible contribution will empower the next generation of leaders and enable the ILMA Foundation to expand its reach and impact.