Southern California Member Chapter Scholarship

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

Overview
The Southern California Member Chapter scholarships are intended to recognize and support a qualified AIST Southern California Member Chapter high school senior or a college undergraduate by providing financial assistance for study at any accredited college or university. There are two distinct awards: the AIST Member Scholarship and the Engineering Scholarship.

Awards
Each year two scholarships will be granted, each carrying a value of US$1,500.

Eligibility
- Member Scholarship: Open to an active AIST Southern California Chapter member, or to the child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or spouse of an active Chapter member. Eligibility also extends to AIST student members who belong through the Material Advantage Student Program, provided the applicant is attending a university in, or resides in, the Southern California Chapter area. Applicants must be accepted into an eligible full- or part-time program at an accredited college or university.

- Engineering Scholarship: Intended for students pursuing studies in engineering, the sciences, or related majors connected to iron and steel production. Eligible applicants include children, stepchildren, grandchildren, or spouses of active Southern California Chapter members, as well as AIST student members affiliated via the Material Advantage Student Program who are attending a university in, or living in, the chapter’s service area. As with the Member Scholarship, applicants must be accepted into an eligible full- or part-time course of study at an accredited institution.

Selection
Applications will be evaluated by the Executive Board of the Southern California Chapter. Selection decisions are made without consideration of financial need.

Conditions and Requirements
- Funds must be applied at an accredited college or university.
- The recipient must begin the approved course of study in the fall term of the same year the scholarship is awarded. Eligible students may be freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, or enrolled in a graduate program.
- Applicants for the Engineering Scholarship must be enrolled in an engineering program.
- Applicants for the Member Scholarship must meet the relationship or membership criteria described above (member or specified relative/spouse of a member, or an AIST/Material Advantage student member living in or attending school in the chapter area).
- The AIST Foundation will issue the scholarship payment as a single lump sum sent to the recipient’s college or university for deposit into the student’s account.
- If a recipient’s enrollment or admission is postponed or interrupted for any reason, the Chapter Secretary must be notified immediately; such circumstances may result in forfeiture of the award.

Application Materials (Required)
1. Completed scholarship application form.
2. Essay:
- Member Scholarship: A brief essay (250 words maximum) describing your activities in high school, college, or your professional life and explaining why you should receive the scholarship.
- Engineering Scholarship: An essay describing your interest in the steel industry, your professional objectives, and how your abilities could contribute to improving the industry.
3. Current resume detailing work experience (emphasizing industry-related internships or jobs), extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and any honors or other scholarships.
4. Two letters of recommendation from a counselor, teacher, or professor.
5. Copy of current high school or college transcripts.

Contact the Southern California Chapter for application deadlines and submission instructions.