September 17, 2025

Sam, a recent high school graduate and recipient of the Jack Elser Foundation Scholarship, has begun his studies in the electrical maintenance and automation program at Spokane Falls Community College. Classes started this week, marking the first step in a rigorous schedule with coursework ranging from electrical mathematics and safety to applied computer and writing classes.

When asked about receiving the scholarship, Sam said he was “ecstatic.” He described the award as one of the few scholarships intended to promote trade school vs other generic scholarships. “The questions pertained a lot to what I want to do in my trade,” he said. “I was very excited to get it because it was unique and meaningful.”

Sam is entering a competitive industry. As automation reshapes manufacturing and other sectors, skilled maintenance electricians are in growing demand. “A lot of big manufacturers are leaning toward automation, and that requires people to work on those systems,” he explained. “It’s becoming competitive—not oversaturated, just in demand.”

Unlike some industries where automation displaces workers, Sam believes artificial intelligence and automation are creating opportunities for tradespeople like him. “It’s positively impacting my field,” he said. “Companies investing in AI—like Google—still need people to build and maintain the electrical infrastructure that keeps everything running.”

For the Jack Elser Foundation, Sam represents the next generation of technical professionals—driven, practical, and prepared to keep critical systems running in an increasingly automated world.

“The Foundation is proud to support students like Sam who are pursuing high-demand technical trades,” said Noah Bronner, representing the Jack Elser Foundation. “His enthusiasm and focus on developing real-world skills reflect exactly what our scholarship program was designed to encourage.”