Outstanding Manufacturing Student Award Application from GCAMP

In January 2023, GCAMP launched the Outstanding Manufacturing Student Award program to celebrate future makers and creators!

Whether someone nominated you for this student award or you are self-nominating, we hope you will use this opportunity to showcase some of your accomplishments as a manufacturing student and tell us about your plans for your future career in manufacturing.

Your application will be judged by manufacturing professionals who want to know about:

Your passion for and commitment to the manufacturing field;
Your career plans and goals;
And, if you have overcome any obstacles on your journey, please share those too.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: 11:59 PM, CST, February 12, 2025

Winner(s) will be notified in mid-April and will receive a $500 cash prize. Winners will be formally recognized at the VIA Spark Awards on March 12, 2025, at The Abbington, 3S002 Route 53, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. Student winners are strongly encouraged to attend with up to 2 complimentary guests.

To Apply

Start the application form below and add or upload the following four items

A short essay (500 words or less), video (5 minutes or less), or digital presentation (i.e. PowerPoint or Google Slides) addressing one or more of the following topics:

The challenges you have overcome in pursuit of your career. What were those challenges and how did you overcome them?
A manufacturing or STEM-related project that you completed. Describe in detail the project, any project setbacks or challenges, the project outcome, lessons learned from the project, and, if applicable, any recognition you received for the project. You may include photos.
Why you are passionate about manufacturing as a career. Where/when did your passion begin? Who or what helped to develop your passion?
A person who has influenced your career path. Describe the influence a mentor, such as a teacher, friend, relative, or employer, had on your career. What has your mentor taught you?

Remember – you only need to submit one, either an essay, video, or slideshow.

For the essay, use the textbox provided on the application form to submit.

For the video, please upload the video to a video-sharing site (i.e. YouTube, TikTok, Vimeo, etc.) and give us the URL on the application form.

For the slideshow, please upload your presentation. There will be an upload space on your application form.

A short explanation (250 words or less) of your career plan or goals. Use the text box provided.

A letter of recommendation from an adult, other than a relative, who can attest to your commitment to a career in manufacturing.

Winners will be announced on GCAMP's social media, website, and emails. Therefore, please also upload a photo of yourself that we can use online if you win. Please make sure this photo does not contain any other people.

OPTIONAL – Upload any other additional documentation to support your application, such as a resume’, a school transcript(s), copies of certificates or awards.

Start Your Application Form

About You

Contact Information

First name

Last name

Street address

City

State

Zip code

Selection and Goals

Recommendation

Agreement

Image and Information Release Agreement

In consideration of the potential publicity as indicated above and to advance the charitable and educational mission of GCAMP, the undersigned makes the following representations and agreements for the benefit of the Greater Chicago Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, its designees, successors, and assigns (collectively “GCAMP”) and the Valley Industrial Association, its designees, successors, and assigns (collectively “VIA”).

Authorization. I represent that I have the right and authorization to enter into this Agreement.

Image Provided. I provided a photograph of myself or my minor child (the “Image”) for GCAMP and VIA’s benefit, use and publication in relation to GCAMP’s charitable and educational mission, programs and other lawful uses.

License; Warranty of Right to License. I hereby grant to GCAMP and VIA the perpetual, worldwide right and license to use the Image and name, likeness, and appearance for any purpose related to GCAMP and for any other lawful purposes, including broadcast, brochure, web and any other media (digital or otherwise). If the Image contains pictorial products that are subject to trademark, copyright or other intellectual property protection (“Protected Material”), I warrant and represent that I have permission from the owner of such Protected Material to grant these rights of use and the license to GCAMP and VIA.

Right to Edit. I irrevocably authorize GCAMP and VIA the right to edit, alter, copy, exhibit, publish and distribute photo and videos containing the Image or likeness for any purpose related to GCAMP. I waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein the Image or likeness appears.

No Compensation. I waive any right to royalties or other compensation related to the use of the Image or name or likeness.

Application Information. I also grant GCAMP and VIA the right to use and publish, in any manner and through any medium (via the internet or otherwise), information contained in the award application submitted to GCAMP.

Indemnification. I AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS, GCAMP AND THEIR BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THE VIA AND THEIR BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ANY SPONSORS OF GCAMP OR THE VIA, AND GCAMP’S AND VIA’S AGENTS AND REPRESENTATIVES, FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF THE ABOVE-GRANTED LICENSE AND REPRESENTATIONS, INCLUDING ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS AND CAUSES OF ACTION THAT I, MY HEIRS, REPRESENTATIVES, EXECUTORS, AND/OR ADMINISTRATORS HAVE OR MAY HAVE DUE TO THIS AGREEMENT, MY REPRESENTATIONS, AND/OR THE RIGHTS GRANTED HEREIN.