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 two outstanding woodworking students selected by their instructors at North Bennet Street School, RISD, 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 2022! Check below to learn more or click here to see last year's recipients.
David Graham Wilson
NBSS
David Graham Wilson is a recent high school graduate. His passion for woodworking and construction began when he got involved in building sets for theatrical productions. David has also worked as an electrical apprentice for several years. After graduation from NBSS, he hopes to use his knowledge and skills to start a custom furniture business.
Justin Collen
NBSS
Justin Collen is in his first year of the Cabinet & Furniture Making program at NBSS and took Continuing Education courses at the School before enrolling as a full time student in fall 2021. Woodworking and Carpentry run in his family. He earned his BA and MA degrees in geography, and did graduate coursework in Material Culture Studies, Architectural History, Urban Design, and Historic Preservation. His long term goal is to build high quality objects that will last for generations, and own his own business. In the past Justin has also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity.
Sophia Cui
RISD | BFA 2022 Furniture Design
"Since I was young I've loved to draw, so with furniture I gravitate heavily towards color, form, pattern, and narrative. This idea of being able to tell a story through furnishings is something I want to keep pursuing after I graduate. Through furniture design, I've learned that two heads (or pairs of hands) are certainly more effective and fun than one. Collaboration, teamwork, and skill-sharing have now become integral to my practice. I'm looking forward to where designing and making will take me next!"
Instagram: @milletstudio
Jesse Groom
RISD | MFA 2023 Furniture Design
Jesse Groom (he/him), 28, is a MFA of Furniture Design candidate at the Rhode Island School of Design. He has pursued the practice of design through a lens of woodworking and furniture in attempts to better understand the physical objects and environments humans interact with. He immensely enjoys the process of working with wood as a material and looks to explore new forms and functions with it.
Naomi Miller
RIT
Naomi Miller is a graduate student. She is very committed to the studio and her work.
Dylan Allio
RIT
Dylan Allio is a deaf student in RIT's program. Dylan is a senior and has made vast improvements in his work since he started.
