Pittsburgh Member Chapter Scholarships

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

Overview
The AIST Pittsburgh Chapter Scholarship exists to recognize and encourage students from the Pittsburgh Chapter area who are preparing for careers in engineering or metallurgy. Its purpose is simple: provide a financial grant to help a full-time student attend any accredited college or university in North America.

Awards
- One (1) scholarship will be awarded.
- An applicant may receive only one of these scholarships.

Who is eligible
To apply you must meet one of the following relationship criteria to an active AIST Pittsburgh Chapter member:
- Child (including step-child, adopted child, or ward), grandchild, or spouse of an active chapter member. An active member is defined as an AIST member who has been involved in the chapter for at least two consecutive years.
- Students who are members of the Material Advantage program at local Pittsburgh-area colleges are also eligible.

Additional eligibility requirements:
- You must be accepted into or currently enrolled full time in an eligible program at an accredited college or university.
- Preference will be given to students majoring in metallurgy or engineering fields relevant to iron and steel production, though candidates in other majors may also be considered.

Selection process
- A Scholarship Award Committee reviews applications. The Committee includes a Chairman (an AIST Pittsburgh Chapter member), up to four other chapter members, and the Chapter Secretary.
- Awards are made without regard to financial need.

Rules you need to follow
1. The scholarship must be used at an accredited college or university.
2. You must begin the course of study in the fall of the same year the scholarship is awarded.
3. The AIST Foundation will send the scholarship stipend as a single lump sum to the college or university for deposit into the student’s account.
4. If your enrollment is delayed or interrupted for any reason, notify the Chapter Secretary immediately. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of the award.

Required application materials
(All materials must be submitted as unprotected PDF files.)
1. Completed scholarship application.
2. An essay addressing one of these prompts (choose one):
- Describe an accomplishment you achieved as a student. Why were you successful, and how will that success shape your future plans as an engineer?
- Describe your strengths and interests in detail. How will you apply these skills to a career in the steel industry or to engineering generally?
- Describe the major challenges facing the steel industry and the opportunities that graduates can use to improve industry outcomes.
3. Current resume — include work experience (highlight internships or field-related jobs), extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and other honors/scholarships.
4. A recommendation or evaluation from a counselor, teacher, or professor.
5. Copy of your current high school or college transcripts.

A few practical tips (from a teacher)
- Put your name on every file and double-check that PDFs open properly.
- Make sure your essay is focused and proofread; admissions committees notice clarity and thoughtfulness.
- Ask your recommender well in advance and provide them with context about your goals and the scholarship.

If you’d like, I can help you refine your essay or review your application materials before you submit.