As a U.S. based manufacturer, we here at Oneida Air Systems place great significance on the long tradition of American craftsmanship that has made our country great. As a company we try to uphold these principles and apply them to our products every day - That's why we created the Future Craftsman Scholarship program.
Each year, we give a $1,000 scholarship to an outstanding woodworking student selected by their instructors at North Bennet Street School, OCAC, and RIT, to foster and support students who are studying to be the next generation of American Craftsmen. Students are selected based on their skill mastery, their love for their work, and their dedication to the craft as a career path.
Oneida Air Systems is proud to present our Future Craftsmen Scholarship winners for 2019! Check below to learn more or click here to see last year's recipients.
Jonathan Ota
2019 Scholarship Recipient
Jonathan is a decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps. His service included three tours to Iraq. He is highly motivated and an incredibly hard worker. He is passionate about woodworking, and also a wonderfully kind person who is respected deeply by his colleagues and instructors. Jonathan is the proud father of two young boys. After his military career, he spent several years trying to redefine his purpose and find value again. He worked in several settings, never really finding the right fit. Then he found North Bennet Street School. He says it has been a "life changing experience, to say the least".
Che Matthews
2019 Scholarship Recipient
Che likes to describe her work as ‘furnitureish’. She likes to use woodworking to bridge the gap between sculpture and utilitarian objects to help solve broken systems. In the last year, she has used the woodworking skills she's acquired to branch out to make thought provoking work. She designs and builds sculptures, furniture and small wares with hopes to continue building her artistry and craft.
Ryan Zimmerman
2019 Scholarship Recipient
Ryan Zimmerman is a first year grad student at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
