Sydney’s Legacy
The Her Spark Sydney Madison Foundation was established to keep Sydney’s memory and the light she brought to others alive following her tragic passing on January 5, 2026. Sydney believed that success does not always follow a traditional path. Through her own experiences, she recognized the growing need to expand career opportunities within the electrical trades- especially for individuals who have determination and talent but face financial barriers.
Sydney graduated from Penta Career Center Construction Electricity Program in 2017. She continued her education through Toledo Electrical JATC, where she graduated in 2023 as an Inside Wireman Journeyman. She became the first woman to receive the Apprentice of the Year Award. As a proud member of her Local and a voice for women in the trade, Sydney broke barriers and became a respected leader within the organization. She served as the first woman elected to the Examining Board and was actively involved as a delegate to the Ohio AFL-CIO, as well as a member of the Woman’s Committee and RENEW Committee. Sydney also earned multiple professional credentials, including her City of Toledo Electrical License, Ohio Fire Alarm Installer and Technician License, and a Michigan Electrical License. In 2025, she continued giving back to the trade by becoming an instructor at Toledo Electrical JATC, helping guide and mentor the next generation of electricians.
She understood that when a single spark is ignited, it has the power to illuminate countless futures.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sydney had a deep passion for helping others. She cared deeply about those experiencing homelessness and was committed to supporting people who were struggling or facing difficult circumstances. Her compassion for others reflected the same spark that drove her to show kindness wherever she could.
Sydney’s passion was not only in her work, but in creating opportunities and showing kindness wherever she could.
đź’› Our Mission Behind the Scholarships
Sydney had a light that naturally lifted others. Her kindness, her energy, and her love for life is what inspires this foundation.
Through these scholarships, we aim to:
Give students and apprentices a chance to succeed
Support families pursuing skilled trades
Build a stronger, more connected community
Keep Sydney’s spark alive in every life we touch
đź’ˇScholarships
Keeping Sydney’s Spark Alive Through Opportunity
The Her Spark Sydney Madison Foundation is proud to provide scholarships to students and apprentices pursuing careers in the electrical trades—honoring Sydney’s life, her strength, and the passion she had for helping others.
We believe in supporting those who are willing to work hard, learn a skilled trade, and build a meaningful future.
🎓 Penta Career Center Scholarships
We offer scholarships to high school juniors and seniors enrolled in the Construction Electricity Program at Penta Career Center who are planning to pursue a career in the electrical field.
These scholarships are designed to:
Help offset the cost of tools, tuition, and training
Support students who show dedication, work ethic, and passion
Encourage the next generation of skilled electricians
Scholarships like these play an important role in helping students enter the workforce without overwhelming financial burden, especially in high-demand industries like electrical work.
⚡ JATC Apprenticeship Support
We also provide financial assistance to first-year apprentices enrolled at Toledo Electrical JATC
Apprenticeships are a powerful pathway into the electrical trade—combining education with real-world, hands-on experience and paid work opportunities.
Our support may help with:
Tuition and book expenses
Tools and required equipment
Financial relief during the first year of apprenticeship
Your Donation to Her Spark Sydney Madison Foundation helps keep Sydney’s
LIGHT-LEGACY-LIFE alive through scholarships and support families in need.
