Pittsburgh Member Chapter Scholarships

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

## Objectives
**Purpose and scope**

The AIST Pittsburgh Chapter Scholarships exist to reward and encourage students in the Pittsburgh Chapter area who are pursuing careers in engineering or metallurgy. These scholarships provide financial support to high school seniors or currently enrolled undergraduates during full‑time study at any accredited North American college or university. The program targets students with ties to the AIST Pittsburgh Chapter and seeks to promote careers relevant to iron and steel production while remaining open to other related majors. Funding is awarded as a single grant disbursed through the AIST Foundation.

Key takeaways:
- Awards support full‑time study at accredited North American institutions.
- Target audience: Pittsburgh Chapter area high school seniors and undergraduate students.
- Emphasis on engineering and metallurgy careers, with flexibility for related majors.
- Funds are delivered as a single grant via the AIST Foundation.

## Awards
**Number and value of scholarships**

The Pittsburgh Chapter awards three scholarships each cycle, and an applicant may receive only one award. One Lawrence G. Maloney Scholarship is granted at $5,000. Two Pittsburgh Member Chapter scholarships are granted at $3,000 each.

Key takeaways:
- Total of three scholarships awarded annually.
- Lawrence G. Maloney Scholarship: $5,000 (1 award).
- Pittsburgh Member Chapter Scholarships: $3,000 each (2 awards).
- Applicants are eligible to receive only one scholarship per cycle.

## Eligibility
**Who may apply and academic focus**

Eligible applicants are immediate family members or spouses of active AIST Pittsburgh Chapter members in good standing (including step‑children, adopted children, wards, and grandchildren). A member in good standing must have been active in the chapter for at least two consecutive years. Members of the Material Advantage program at local Pittsburgh Chapter area colleges are also eligible. Applicants must be accepted into or currently enrolled full‑time in an accredited college or university; preference is given to metallurgy or engineering majors related to iron and steel production, though other majors may be considered.

Key takeaways:
- Eligibility tied to relationship with an active Pittsburgh Chapter member or Material Advantage membership.
- Active member = minimum two consecutive years of chapter involvement.
- Must be accepted or enrolled full‑time at an accredited institution.
- Preference for metallurgy/engineering majors relevant to the steel industry.

## Selection
**Review process and committee composition**

Applications are evaluated by the AIST Pittsburgh Chapter Scholarship Award Committee. The Committee includes a Chairman (an AIST Pittsburgh Chapter member), up to four additional Pittsburgh Chapter members, and the Chapter Secretary. Selection is merit‑based and awards are made without consideration of the applicant’s financial need.

Key takeaways:
- A dedicated Scholarship Award Committee reviews applications.
- Committee membership: Chairman, up to four members, and the Chapter Secretary.
- Decisions are merit‑driven; financial need is not a factor.
- Committee determines final award recipients.

## Rules
**Conditions for accepting and using the scholarship**

Scholarship funds must be used at an accredited college or university and the recipient must begin their course of study in the fall of the same year the award is given. The AIST Foundation will send the scholarship stipend as a lump sum to the recipient’s institution for deposit into the student’s account. If enrollment is delayed or interrupted for any reason, the Secretary of the AIST Pittsburgh Chapter must be notified immediately; delays or interruptions may lead to forfeiture of funds.

Key takeaways:
- Funds are restricted to accredited institutions.
- Study must commence in the fall term of the award year.
- Stipend is paid as a lump sum to the school via the AIST Foundation.
- Notify the Chapter Secretary immediately of any enrollment changes to avoid forfeiture.

## Required Documents
**Application materials and submission format**

All supporting documents must be submitted as unprotected PDF files. Required materials include the completed scholarship application, one essay chosen from three provided prompts, a current resume emphasizing relevant internships or jobs and extracurricular leadership, a recommendation or evaluation from a counselor/teacher/professor, and a copy of current high school or college transcripts. Essay prompts focus on a student accomplishment, personal strengths and career application to the steel industry, or industry challenges and opportunities for graduates.

Key takeaways:
- Submit all items as unprotected PDF files.
- Required: application, one essay (from three topic choices), resume, recommendation, and transcripts.
- Resume should highlight field‑related experience and leadership.
- Essay topics cover accomplishment, strengths/career fit, or steel industry challenges.