Scholarship Sponsor Q&A: HOERBIGER North America Scholarship

HOERBIGER has established a scholarship program to assist children of employees who plan to continue their education in college or vocational school programs. HOERBIGER plans to award up to ten scholarships of $2,000 each. 

Scholarship America spoke with Maria Iragorri, Head of People & Culture at HOERBIGER about the HOERBIGER North American Scholarship. 

What’s your role at HOERBIGER, and how do you work with the HOERBIGER North America Scholarship?  

I am the Head of People and Culture for HOERBIGER North America, where I oversee a wide range of initiatives aimed at supporting our employees and fostering a positive workplace environment.  

Regarding the HOERBIGER North America Scholarship Program, I work closely with our Business Unit Leaders and the People and Culture team to ensure its smooth operation. This includes collaborating on eligibility criteria, communicating with employees about the program, and reviewing how it aligns with our broader commitment to employee engagement and development. 

How does this scholarship program complement your other educational and talent development initiatives? 

The scholarship program is a natural extension of our broader educational and talent development initiatives. While our internal programs focus on upskilling employees and preparing them for future roles, the scholarship broadens our support by investing in the next generation—our employees’ children. It reinforces our belief in continuous learning, whether for current team members or their families, fostering a culture of growth, opportunity, and development. 

Why does HOERBIGER feel it’s so important to invest in scholarships for children of employees? 

We believe our employees are at the heart of everything we do, and investing in their families demonstrates our commitment to their overall well-being. By supporting the educational aspirations of their children, we aim to not only ease financial burdens but also show that we value the next generation of innovators, leaders, and thinkers. It’s about creating a legacy of opportunity and empowering families to achieve their goals. 

What impact does the HOERBIGER Scholarship have on your recruitment and retention efforts? 

Offering scholarships for employees’ children is a tangible way to differentiate HOERBIGER as an employer of choice. It sends a clear message that we care deeply about our employees’ lives beyond the workplace. Programs like this contribute to higher retention rates, as employees feel supported and appreciated, and they also enhance our recruitment efforts by showcasing our commitment to family-oriented benefits. 

As you launch the first year of this scholarship program, what are you most excited about? 

We’re excited to see the impact this program will have and look forward to celebrating the achievements of future recipients. We’re confident that this initiative will help support the academic and professional aspirations of our employees’ children, creating meaningful opportunities for them to thrive. 

What advice would you give to future applicants? 

To future applicants, my advice is to embrace the application process as an opportunity to showcase not just your academic achievements but also your unique story, aspirations, and commitment to making a difference in your community. Be authentic, and don’t hesitate to express how this scholarship will help you achieve your educational and career goals. Remember, we’re looking for individuals who reflect the values of hard work, curiosity, and determination that define the HOERBIGER family.