Pittsburgh Member Chapter Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST)

## Objectives

**Purpose of the scholarships**
The AIST Pittsburgh Chapter Scholarships are intended to recognize and support high school seniors and current undergraduates from the Pittsburgh Chapter area who are pursuing careers in engineering or metallurgy. Awards provide financial assistance to students attending accredited North American colleges or universities on a full-time basis. The program aims to encourage academic progress and career development in fields related to iron and steel production.

Key takeaways:
- Scholarships reward and encourage students pursuing engineering or metallurgy careers.
- Available to high school seniors and currently enrolled undergraduates.
- Funds apply to full-time attendance at accredited North American institutions.
- Focus is on fostering careers relevant to the steel industry.

## Awards

**Scholarship types and amounts**
The Pittsburgh Chapter awards a total of three scholarships each cycle. One Lawrence G. Maloney Scholarship is granted at $5,000, and two Pittsburgh Member Chapter Scholarships are granted at $3,000 each. An individual applicant may receive only one scholarship per cycle.

Key takeaways:
- Total of three scholarships awarded annually.
- Lawrence G. Maloney Scholarship: $5,000 (1 award).
- Pittsburgh Member Chapter Scholarship: $3,000 (2 awards).
- Applicants may win at most one scholarship per cycle.

## Eligibility

**Who may apply and academic focus**
Applicants must be immediate family (child, step-child, adopted child, ward), grandchild, or spouse of an active AIST Pittsburgh Chapter member in good standing. Good standing requires at least two consecutive years of chapter activity. Students in local Material Advantage programs are also eligible. Candidates must be accepted to or enrolled full time in an accredited college or university; preference is given to majors in metallurgy or engineering related to iron and steel, though other majors may be considered.

Key takeaways:
- Applicant relationship to an active Pittsburgh Chapter member is required.
- Member must have been active in the chapter for at least two consecutive years.
- Material Advantage program members at local colleges are eligible.
- Full-time enrollment at an accredited institution is required; metallurgy/engineering majors preferred.

## Selection

**Review process and impartiality**
Applications are evaluated by the Scholarship Award Committee, chaired by an AIST Pittsburgh Chapter member and including up to four additional chapter members plus the Chapter Secretary. The Committee reviews materials and selects recipients based on the published criteria. Awards are made without regard to financial need.

Key takeaways:
- A multi-member Scholarship Award Committee conducts evaluations.
- Committee membership: Chair, up to four chapter members, and the Secretary.
- Decisions follow the stated selection criteria.
- Financial need is not a factor in award decisions.

## Rules

**Conditions governing award use**
Award funds must be used at an accredited college or university, and recipients must begin their studies in the fall of the year the scholarship is awarded. The AIST Foundation will forward the scholarship as a lump sum to the college or university for deposit in the student’s account. If enrollment is delayed or interrupted for any reason, the Chapter Secretary must be notified immediately; failure to do so may result in forfeiture of funds.

Key takeaways:
- Funds are restricted to accredited colleges or universities.
- Study must commence in the fall of the award year.
- Stipend is sent as a lump sum to the institution for the student’s account.
- Immediate notification to the Chapter Secretary is required for any enrollment delay or interruption.

## Required Documents

**Submission requirements and content**
All application documents must be submitted as unprotected PDF files. Required items include the completed scholarship application, a resume, a recommendation or evaluation from a counselor/teacher/professor, and current high school or college transcripts. Applicants must also submit an essay responding to one of three specified topics related to personal achievement, strengths and career application, or industry challenges and opportunities.

Key takeaways:
- Submit all documents as unprotected PDFs.
- Required: scholarship application, current resume, recommendation/evaluation, and transcripts.
- Essay must address one chosen prompt: personal accomplishment, strengths and career application, or steel industry challenges/opportunities.
- Resume should highlight field-related internships/jobs, extracurriculars, leadership, and honors.