Judith A. Quinn Detroit Member Chapter Scholarship

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

Description
The AIST Judith A. Quinn Detroit Member Chapter Scholarship recognizes and encourages students who intend to pursue careers in the iron and steel industry. Administered by the Detroit Member Chapter, the scholarship targets high school seniors and undergraduate students who demonstrate talent, commitment, and interest in relevant technical fields. The program aims to attract new talent to the industry by providing financial support and visibility to promising candidates. Students may submit applications annually as appropriate.

- Administered by the AIST Detroit Member Chapter.
- Targets high school seniors and undergraduate students.
- Focused on applicants pursuing careers in the iron and steel industry.
- Open to annual reapplication.

History
This scholarship was renamed in 2013 to honor Judith A. Quinn, a long-serving volunteer and pioneer for women in the Detroit-area steel industry. Ms. Quinn served in leadership roles for the Detroit Member Chapter and its predecessor organizations over several decades, including terms as Secretary-Treasurer and chapter secretary. The renaming recognizes her dedication to the chapter and to advancing the industry locally.

- Renamed in 2013 for Judith A. Quinn.
- Honors her multi-decade volunteer service to the Detroit chapter.
- Recognizes her role in promoting participation in the steel industry.

Award Value
The program offers multiple awards each year with fixed stipend amounts to support undergraduate study. Typically, two scholarships of US$2,500 and two scholarships of US$5,000 are available annually; the final number awarded depends on the applicant pool. Awards are intended for students in engineering, metallurgy, or related majors connected to iron and steel production; if qualified applicants in those fields are not available, awards may be redirected to other relevant majors.

- Typical awards: two at $2,500 and two at $5,000.
- Total number awarded depends on applications received.
- Priority given to engineering, metallurgy, or materials-related majors; alternatives considered if needed.

Eligibility
Applicants must meet relationship, enrollment, academic, and career intent criteria established by the chapter. Eligibility requires the applicant to be the child or grandchild of an AIST Detroit Member Chapter member who has been in good standing for at least two consecutive years. Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited North American university, majoring in engineering, metallurgy, or materials science, and hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Selection emphasizes demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in the iron and steel industry; awards are made without regard to financial need.

- Must be the child or grandchild of a chapter member in good standing for ≥2 consecutive years.
- Full-time undergraduate enrollment at an accredited North American university required.
- Required majors: engineering, metallurgy, or materials science.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0/4.0.
- Career interest in the iron and steel industry is required; financial need is not a criterion.

Selection Process
A dedicated Scholarship Award Committee evaluates submitted applications and determines recipients. The committee is composed of the Committee Chair, the Secretary, and up to four additional Detroit Member Chapter members who review materials against the published eligibility and selection criteria. Decisions are made based on the applicant’s qualifications, essay, recommendations, and transcripts. The chapter administers the award process and coordinates with the AIST Foundation for stipend delivery.

- Reviewed by the Scholarship Award Committee (Chair, Secretary, + up to 4 members).
- Decisions based on eligibility, academic record, essay, and recommendations.
- Detroit Member Chapter oversees award administration and notification.

Use and Rules
Award funds must be used for accredited postsecondary education and are subject to timing and reporting requirements set by the chapter and foundation. Recipients must be starting or continuing their course of study in the fall of the award year; any delays or interruptions must be reported immediately to the Detroit Member Chapter Secretary and may result in forfeiture. The AIST Foundation forwards the scholarship as a lump-sum payment to the recipient’s college or university for deposit to the student’s account. Students may reapply for the scholarship in subsequent years during their college education.

- Funds must be used at an accredited college or university.
- Enrollment must begin or continue in the fall of the award year.
- Stipend is sent as a lump sum to the institution by the AIST Foundation.
- Delays or interruptions must be reported and can cause forfeiture.
- Students may reapply in later years of their education.

Required Documents
Applicants must submit a complete packet of unprotected PDF documents that demonstrate academic performance, leadership, and commitment to an industry career. Required materials include a current resume (with work experience and leadership roles), an essay up to two pages explaining professional goals and interest in iron/steel, and three letters of recommendation addressing character, academic status, leadership potential, and career commitment. The three letters must come from (a) the high school counselor or college academic advisor, (b) a teacher or professor, and (c) an external source (preferably a previous employer). A copy of current high school or college transcripts is also required.

- All files: unprotected PDF format.
- Resume with work experience and leadership positions.
- Two-page max essay on goals and industry interest.
- Three recommendation letters from specified sources (counselor/advisor, teacher/professor, external source).
- Current transcripts (high school or college) included.

Application Timeline and How to Apply
Specific deadlines and online submission instructions are set annually by the AIST Detroit Member Chapter and the AIST Foundation; applicants should consult the chapter’s official communications for the current year’s schedule. The chapter posts application openings, deadline dates, and the submission portal or email address for documents. If you need clarification on eligibility or required materials, contact the Detroit Member Chapter Secretary or visit the AIST Foundation website for guidance.

- Deadlines and submission procedures announced annually by the Detroit Member Chapter.
- Check chapter communications or the AIST Foundation website for current instructions.
- Contact the Detroit Member Chapter Secretary for questions about eligibility or documents.