Birmingham Member Chapter Scholarship

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

AIST Birmingham Member Chapter Scholarships — Quick Reference

Description
**Purpose and focus**
The AIST Birmingham Member Chapter Scholarships are intended to reward and encourage local high school seniors and undergraduate students who are preparing for careers in engineering, with an emphasis on interest in the iron and steel industry. The program provides financial assistance to support full‑time study at any accredited college or university. If there are no qualified engineering applicants, the award may be offered to a student in another major related to iron and steel production. The awards are distributed through the AIST Birmingham Member Chapter and administered per the chapter’s scholarship criteria.

Key takeaways
- Targets Birmingham Chapter area high school seniors and undergraduates preparing for engineering careers.
- Emphasis on demonstrated interest in the iron and steel industry.
- Support applies to full‑time study at accredited institutions.
- Non‑engineering majors related to iron/steel may be considered if no engineering applicants.

Eligibility
**Who may apply**
Applicants must be an AIST member, the child (natural, step, adopted, or ward) or spouse of an AIST member in good standing of the AIST Birmingham Member Chapter, or an AIST Student Member via the Material Advantage Student Program. The student must be accepted into a full‑time, eligible engineering program at an accredited college or university and show a clear interest in pursuing a career in the iron and steel industry. Awards are made without regard to financial need. Applicants should confirm they fall within the AIST Birmingham Chapter geographic area.

Key takeaways
- Must be connected to an AIST Birmingham Member Chapter member or be an AIST Student Member.
- Enrollment in an eligible, full‑time engineering program required.
- Demonstrated interest in the iron and steel industry expected.
- Awards are merit‑based, not need‑based.

Award value
**Amount and renewal**
One scholarship of $2,000 is offered each year. The award is initially one year in duration and may be renewed annually for up to four years, subject to a review of the recipient’s academic performance. Renewal is contingent on submission and review of grades as specified by the chapter’s renewal process. The scholarship’s purpose is to provide recurring support while the student remains in good academic standing.

Key takeaways
- Annual award: $2,000.
- Renewable up to 4 years based on academic review.
- Renewal requires submission of grades for review.
- Award supports multi‑year undergraduate study if renewal criteria are met.

Selection
**Review and decision process**
Applications are evaluated by the Scholarship Award Committee established by the AIST Birmingham Member Chapter. The committee applies its developed criteria to select the recipient; decisions are based on the merits of the application materials and alignment with the scholarship objectives. The selection process does not consider financial need. Final award determinations rest with the committee.

Key takeaways
- Reviewed and decided by the Scholarship Award Committee.
- Selection based on established committee criteria and application merit.
- Financial need is not a consideration.
- Committee decisions are final.

Required documents
**Application packet**
All required documents must be submitted as unprotected PDF files. The application packet should include: a current resume detailing work experience and extracurricular activities (with leadership roles noted); an essay (choose one prompt) of 500 words or less; a copy of current high school or college transcripts; and three letters of recommendation. Essay prompt options are: describe one student accomplishment, describe your interest/involvement in the steel and iron industry, or explain why you should receive this scholarship.

Key takeaways
- Submit all materials as unprotected PDFs.
- Required items: resume, essay (one of three prompts), transcripts, and 3 recommendation letters.
- Essay limit: 500 words or less; choose one prompt.
- Include leadership and extracurricular details on the resume.

Rules and conditions
**Use, timing, and administrative requirements**
The scholarship must be used at an accredited college or university and the student must begin or continue the course of study in the fall of the same year the scholarship is awarded. In cases of delayed or interrupted admission or study, the Scholarship Chair and Chapter Secretary must be notified immediately; delays may result in forfeiture. The AIST Foundation will forward the scholarship stipend as a lump sum to the recipient’s college or university for deposit into the student’s account per institutional procedures.

Key takeaways
- Funds are valid only for accredited colleges/universities.
- Students must start or continue study in the fall of the award year.
- Award funds are sent as a lump sum to the institution for student deposit.
- Delays or interruptions must be reported immediately and can cause forfeiture.

Application timeline
**Deadlines and annual cycle**
Applications and all required attachments must be submitted by the April deadline designated by the chapter each year. The scholarship is awarded annually; recipients are expected to enroll or continue enrollment in the fall semester of the award year. Because the specific calendar date in April is set by the chapter, applicants should verify the exact deadline each application cycle.

Key takeaways
- Application deadline: April (specific date set by chapter each year).
- Scholarship is awarded on an annual cycle.
- Recipients must enroll/continue in the fall semester of the award year.
- Confirm the exact April deadline with the chapter each year.

Application submission and contact
**How to apply and who to contact**
Submit the completed application and required attachments by the April deadline according to the chapter’s submission instructions. For questions about the scholarships or the application process, contact Ken Orndoff at ko@lincolnmfg.net. Applicants should follow the chapter’s application instructions precisely and ensure all PDFs are unprotected before submission.

Key takeaways
- Send the full application package by the April deadline.
- Contact for questions: Ken Orndoff — ko@lincolnmfg.net.
- Follow submission instructions and PDF formatting requirements.
- Verify any chapter‑specific upload or delivery procedures.

History of the award
**Background availability**
No historical background or establishment date for the AIST Birmingham Member Chapter Scholarships was provided in the source materials. For historical context, past recipients, or program evolution, contact the AIST Birmingham Member Chapter scholarship chair or the listed contact.

Key takeaways
- No historical details provided in the available documentation.
- Contact the chapter for historical information or recipient lists.
- Chapter officials can provide additional background on the program.