Philadelphia Member Chapter Scholarships

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

## Objectives

**Purpose and scope**
The AIST Philadelphia Member Chapter Scholarships exist to recognize and support students preparing for careers in engineering, materials science, or metallurgy. The program provides financial assistance to qualifying students during full-time study at accredited colleges, universities, or technical schools. Priority is given to students who live in or attend school within the AIST Philadelphia Member Chapter area and who demonstrate interest in the iron and steel industries.

Key takeaways
- Supports students pursuing engineering, materials science, or metallurgy careers
- Provides financial assistance during full-time study at accredited institutions
- Focused on the AIST Philadelphia Member Chapter geographic area
- Encourages industry-related academic development

## Awards

**Scholarship amounts and availability**
Each year the Chapter may award up to one University Scholarship of US$5,000 and up to one College/Technical Scholarship of US$2,000. Awards are one-year grants and are allocated based on criteria established by the Scholarship Award Committee. If no qualifying applicants are available in engineering, materials science, or metallurgy, awards may be granted to students in other majors directly related to iron and steel production.

Key takeaways
- Up to one $5,000 University Scholarship annually
- Up to one $2,000 College/Technical Scholarship annually
- One-year, lump-sum awards
- Flexibility to award related majors if no direct applicants exist

## Eligibility

**University / Bachelor of Science candidates**
Applicants should be accepted, planning to attend, or currently enrolled full time in an accredited university program. Preference is given to students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in engineering, materials science, or metallurgy. Applicants must either reside in the AIST Philadelphia Member Chapter area or be attending a college or university located within the Chapter area.

**College / Technical school candidates**
Applicants for the College/Technical Scholarship must be accepted or enrolled in an associate degree, certification, or technical program in STEM/STEAM or a manufacturing/maintenance field. A letter of recommendation from a counselor, teacher, instructor, or professor is required. Applicants must live in the Chapter area or attend a college/technical school within the Chapter area.

Key takeaways
- Open to accepted, planning-to-attend, or enrolled full-time students
- University award targets B.S. candidates in engineering/materials/metallurgy
- College/Technical award targets associate/certification or technical programs
- Residency or attendance within the Chapter area is required
- College/Technical applicants must include a recommendation letter

## Selection

**Committee review process**
Applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Award Committee, which evaluates candidates according to the Committee’s established criteria. The Committee includes a Chair (an AIST Philadelphia Chapter member), up to four additional Philadelphia Chapter members, and the Chapter Secretary. The Committee is responsible for reviewing application materials and determining award recipients.

Key takeaways
- Applications assessed by the Scholarship Award Committee
- Committee membership: Chair, up to four Chapter members, and Secretary
- Selection follows Committee-developed criteria
- Committee conducts final review and determines recipients

## Rules

**Conditions and disbursement**
Scholarship funds must be used at an accredited college, university, or technical program and are intended for the fall term of the award year. The AIST Foundation will disburse the scholarship as a lump-sum payment to the student’s institution for deposit to the student’s account. Recipients must notify the Chapter Secretary immediately if their studies or admission are delayed or interrupted, as this may lead to forfeiture. Students are eligible to reapply for the scholarship in subsequent years.

Key takeaways
- Funds restricted to accredited programs and the award year’s fall term
- Payment issued as a lump sum to the institution on the student’s behalf
- Delay or interruption in studies must be reported and may forfeit award
- Students may reapply annually

## Required Documents

**Application materials checklist**
Applicants must submit a completed scholarship application and a current resume summarizing work experience, extracurriculars, leadership roles, and other honors. Submit one 500-word (or less) essay addressing: (1) one academic accomplishment and (2) interest or involvement in the steel and iron industry. Include one letter of recommendation and copies of current transcripts (or high school transcripts for high‑school seniors).

Key takeaways
- Completed scholarship application and current resume required
- Single essay (≤500 words) with two specified topics
- One letter of recommendation required
- Current transcripts required (high school transcripts if a senior)

## Application process and contact

**Submission timeline and inquiries**
Submit the completed application and all required attachments by the April deadline each year. Ensure all documents are assembled and submitted together before the deadline. For questions about the Philadelphia Member Chapter scholarship, contact Jose de Jesus at Jose.DeJesus@xtek.com.

Key takeaways
- Submission deadline: April (annual)
- Submit all required attachments with the application
- Direct scholarship questions to Jose.DeJesus@xtek.com