Continuing a legacy more than seven decades strong, the Whirlpool Foundation has once again recognized the academic excellence and potential of students from Whirlpool families, announcing the recipients of its 2025 Sons & Daughters College & Vocational Training Scholarships.
This year, 23 scholarships were awarded nationwide, including six local students whose families live and work right here in Southwest Michigan. These scholarships, awarded through a competitive process open to children of more than 20,000 U.S.-based Whirlpool Corporation employees, provide significant financial support for both four-year college and two-year vocational programs.
Local recipients of the 2025 scholarships include:
Jillian Kaufman, daughter of Michael Kaufman
Kai O’Neal, child of Carmaleta O’Neal
Matthew Salzman, son of Daniel Salzman
Michael Burkhart, son of Bryan Burkhart
Ritika Wadke, daughter of Sonali Wadke
Tanishka Jadhav, daughter of Deepali Jadhav
“Each year we are honored to invest in the future of some of the brightest high school graduates through this scholarship program,” said Traci Robinson, Managing Director of the Whirlpool Foundation. “These scholarships can make a tangible impact in helping to pay for the education needed to start the career journey they have been preparing for.”
The Sons & Daughters program has been a cornerstone of Whirlpool’s philanthropic outreach since its inception in 1952. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $18 million in scholarships and honor awards to more than 2,600 students. Currently, 89 recipients are attending colleges, universities, and vocational schools across the United States.
Scholarships awarded through this program provide $30,000 over four years for students attending a traditional four-year college and $15,000 over two years for those pursuing vocational or technical training. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA to remain eligible throughout their academic journey.
The Whirlpool Foundation, driven by its “House + Home” mission, remains committed to building strong, thriving communities through education, housing, and neighborhood revitalization.
For more information about the Whirlpool Foundation and its community impact initiatives, visit www.whirlpoolcorp.com/social-responsibility.
