Women in the Floorcovering Industry (WIFI), a non-profit organization whose mission is to attract, empower, and educate current and future women in the flooring industry, is taking applications for the second round of the WIFI Scholarship Program. Apply at www.womeninflooring.org/scholarships. 

The WIFI Scholarship Program helps women attend post-secondary education, including undergraduate and graduate school, continuing education programs, trainings, as well as gain industry-accredited certifications. Applications must be received by July 10, 2024. Scholarship recipients will be notified by July 31, 2024. 

“Investing in women in the flooring industry is a win-win-win,” shared WIFI board member Betsy Amoroso, chief of staff at Mannington Mills. “It provides women with the tools they need to progress in their careers, strengthens support for communities and families, and yields benefits for companies through decreased turnover, enhanced leadership, and boosted profits.”

Anyone who identifies as a woman working in the floor covering industry or a woman interested in a career in the floor covering industry is eligible to participate in the scholarship program. An essay of 750 words or less and a letter of recommendation are required. 

WIFI 2023 scholarship recipient Eileen Zelazny shared: “I have always worked to challenge myself to continue to grow and learn to create more value for the business owners I work with and the companies I work for. Because of this desire to continue to improve and gain additional skills, I decided last fall to go back to graduate school and pursue a Masters in Management from the University of Illinois through their Gies Business School.” 

WIFI Scholarships are given in two categories:
 
Post-Secondary Education Scholarships
 Students attending a college, trade school, or technical school who are seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree, certificate, or certification can receive scholarships from WIFI for up to four years. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000 per person per year. Funds can be used for tuition and fees, books, and, if a full-time student, housing.

Continuing Education Scholarships

Those already working in the flooring industry (three years minimum) who desire to further their skills through continuing education classes, non-degree courses, or educational training programs can seek funds for the direct cost of the course(s). Award amounts are from $250 to $1,000 per person per year. Continuing education scholarships can be applied for annually and can be received up to four times per person.

Last year’s scholarship recipients are Charity Adeoti, flooring installer at Barefoot Flooring Installation; Cydney Bish, a human resources manager trainee at Shaw Industries; Julie Borgognoni, marketing manager of Mannington Commercial; Shelley Frank, a certified process training manager with Louisville Tile; Jennifer Gathman, district manager for Mannington Commercial; Stephanie Vega, project coordinator with Floor Interior Services; and Eileen Zelazny, VP of national accounts for The Dixie Group.

Learn more about the scholarship program at www.womeninflooring.org/scholarships. 

Join WIFI as a corporate donor or become an individual donor society member at womeninflooring.org/give.