The Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association (MAMA) is continuing its investment in Mississippi’s future workforce by awarding scholarships to 11 outstanding students pursuing educational opportunities and careers connected to the automotive manufacturing industry.
Representing seven Mississippi colleges and universities, the 2026–2027 MAMA scholarship recipients have earned an impressive average GPA of 3.84 while pursuing degrees and technical training in a wide range of disciplines. Their areas of study include automotive technology, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, civil engineering, biomedical engineering, and industrial electronics and automation.
Ainara Aldeano, a biomedical engineering student and captain of the Alcorn State soccer team, is the university’s 2026–2027 MAMA Scholarship recipient.
“What stands out about this year’s scholarship recipients is the breadth of talent and interests they bring to the future of automotive manufacturing,” said Skip Scaggs, President of MAMA. “These students are preparing themselves in areas such as engineering, automation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and research and product development. They understand that today’s automotive industry reaches far beyond the traditional manufacturing roles, and they are preparing for the technologies and opportunities that will shape our industry in the years ahead.”
The students are also gaining valuable experience beyond the classroom. Collectively, they have completed co-ops, internships, undergraduate research, manufacturing training and industry-recognized certifications, while also serving in leadership roles. Their technical strengths include embedded systems, robotics and automation, automotive service, supply chain, quality systems, CAD/CAM, lean manufacturing and other areas that are increasingly important to modern manufacturing.
“The accomplishments these students have already achieved are especially encouraging,” said Judy Johnson, MAMA Scholarship Chairwoman. “They are not only doing well academically, but they are seeking out opportunities to gain practical experience, develop their technical skills and become leaders. That combination of education, hands-on experience and initiative is exactly what we hope to encourage through the MAMA scholarship program.”
MAMA has awarded more than $495,000 in scholarships to Mississippi students since the program began in 2006, supporting students as they pursue education and training that can lead to careers in automotive manufacturing and related fields.
“When we invest in these students, we are investing in Mississippi’s future,” Scaggs said. “MAMA is proud to support their educational journeys and to help connect the success of Mississippi’s students with the continued growth and strength of our automotive manufacturing industry.”
The 2026–2027 scholarship class reflects the increasingly broad range of knowledge and skills needed in today’s automotive manufacturing industry. From engineering and automation to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and product development, these students represent an emerging talent pipeline with the potential to contribute to Mississippi’s manufacturing workforce in many different ways.
The successful 2026-2027 MAMA Scholarship candidate attending Alcorn State University is:
Ainara Aldeano is a biomedical engineering student at Alcorn State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree with an expected graduation in Spring 2027. She holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial electronics and automation engineering from the University of the Basque Country in Spain and has a background in embedded systems, artificial intelligence, and electronic control. Aldeano serves as captain of the university soccer team, demonstrating leadership, discipline, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure. Her automotive interests grew through participation on the Formula Student team, where she contributed to electrical schematics and electronic control systems for an electric vehicle. She also developed an Edge AI embedded system for movement classification and anomaly detection. Aldeano hopes to pursue a career integrating embedded systems, electronic controls, and AI into automotive manufacturing, with the goal of helping develop safer, smarter, and more efficient vehicles. She is especially interested in emerging automotive technologies.
Special to Alcorn from MAMA
