Southeast Member Chapter Gene Suave Scholarship

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

## Objective
The Southeast Chapter scholarship aims to support students preparing for careers in engineering or the sciences by providing targeted financial assistance. It is intended for high school seniors or college undergraduates who plan to attend an accredited college or university, either full- or part-time. The award is intended to encourage academic progress and career preparation in fields related to iron and steel production. Selection is merit-based and focuses on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and a written essay.

- **Purpose:** Provide financial support to students entering engineering or science careers.
- **Target group:** High school seniors and undergraduate students.
- **Institution requirement:** Must enroll at an accredited college or university.
- **Focus:** Merit-based encouragement of career preparation in relevant fields.

## Awards
The Southeast Chapter offers the Gene Suave Scholarship as its primary award. This is a single, one-year scholarship provided to one recipient annually. The scholarship is a fixed cash award intended to offset tuition and educational expenses during the award year. Specific award amounts and the number of scholarships are announced by the Chapter.

- **Scholarship name:** Gene Suave Scholarship.
- **Number awarded:** One recipient per award cycle.
- **Duration:** One-year scholarship.
- **Purpose of funds:** Assist with college-related expenses during the award year.

## Eligibility
Applicants must be high school seniors or college undergraduates pursuing studies in engineering, the sciences, or majors related to iron and steel production. If no candidates from these fields apply, the selection committee may consider other majors. Eligible applicants include Material Advantage members who live in or attend school in the Southeast Member Chapter area, and family members (children, stepchildren, grandchildren, spouses) of active Southeast Chapter members with two consecutive years of paid dues. Applicants must be accepted into an eligible full- or part-time program at an accredited institution.

- **Fields preferred:** Engineering, sciences, or iron- and steel-related majors (others considered if none apply).
- **Residency/membership:** Material Advantage members in the Southeast area or qualifying family members of active Chapter members.
- **Membership requirement:** Chapter member must have two consecutive years of paid dues (for family applicants).
- **Enrollment requirement:** Accepted into an accredited full- or part-time course of study.

## Selection
Applications are evaluated by the Southeast Chapter Executive Board together with an independent, non-member reviewer to ensure impartiality. The award decision is merit-based and made without regard to financial need. Evaluation factors include academic record, extracurricular involvement, and the required essay. Students may reapply annually for consideration throughout their college education.

- **Reviewers:** Executive Board plus an unbiased non-member reviewer.
- **Basis of award:** Merit—GPA, activities, and essay.
- **Financial need:** Not a factor in selection.
- **Reapplication:** Eligible students may reapply each year.

## Rules and Conditions
The scholarship comes with specific conditions governing its use and the recipient’s enrollment timeline. Funds must be used at an accredited college or university, and the recipient must begin their studies in the fall of the award year. The AIST Foundation will remit the scholarship as a lump sum to the student’s institution for deposit into the student’s account. Any delay or interruption in admission or studies must be reported immediately to the Chapter Secretary and may result in forfeiture of the award.

- **Use of funds:** Must be applied at an accredited institution.
- **Start term:** Enrollment must begin in the fall of the award year.
- **Payment method:** Lump-sum stipend sent to the institution by the AIST Foundation.
- **Reporting interruptions:** Immediate notification to Secretary required; delays may forfeit award.

## Required Documents
Applicants must submit a complete application package that documents academic achievement, experience, and personal qualifications. Required materials include the scholarship application form, a 250-word or shorter essay describing high school involvement and reasons for selection, a current resume highlighting relevant work or internships and extracurricular leadership, and a recommendation from a counselor, teacher, or professor. A copy of current high school or college transcripts must also be included.

- **Application form:** Completed scholarship application.
- **Essay:** 250 words or fewer explaining involvement and why the applicant merits the scholarship.
- **Resume:** Current resume with relevant work/internships and extracurriculars; list leadership and honors.
- **Recommendation:** Letter or evaluation from a counselor, teacher, or professor.
- **Transcripts:** Copy of current high school or college transcripts.