How to Apply for the Betty McKern Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women
Are you a woman who is passionate about engineering and wants to pursue a career in the iron and steel industry? If so, you might be interested in applying for the Betty McKern Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women, a generous award that can help you achieve your academic and professional goals.
The Betty McKern Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women is a scholarship program that provides financial assistance to women residents of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin who are members of the Midwest Chapter of the Association for Iron and Steel Technology (AIST) or their dependents. The scholarship is named after Betty McKern, a pioneer and leader in the iron and steel industry who was the first female president of the AIST Midwest Chapter.
The scholarship aims to support and encourage female students who are seeking an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in engineering to prepare for a career in the iron and steel industry, a field that offers many opportunities for innovation, growth, and impact. The scholarship also recognizes the academic excellence, leadership potential, and community involvement of the applicants.
If you are eligible and interested in applying for the Betty McKern Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women, read on to find out more about the scholarship details, requirements, benefits, application process, and deadline. You will also find some frequently asked questions and answers that can help you with your application. Don’t miss this chance to apply for this amazing scholarship and join the ranks of the previous winners who have gone on to pursue their dreams in the iron and steel industry.
What is the Betty McKern Scholarship and what are its objectives?
The Betty McKern Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women is a scholarship program that was established in 2020 by the AIST Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the advancement of the iron and steel industry through education and research. The scholarship is funded by the AIST Midwest Chapter, one of the 22 local chapters of the AIST that serves the members and the industry in the Midwest region of the United States.
The scholarship is named after Betty McKern, who was the first female president of the AIST Midwest Chapter and a trailblazer in the iron and steel industry. Betty McKern started her career as a metallurgical engineer at Inland Steel Company in 1974 and rose to the position of director of quality assurance. She was also involved in various industry associations and committees, such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). She was a mentor and a role model for many young engineers, especially women, who aspired to work in the iron and steel industry.
The objectives of the Betty McKern Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women are to:
- Provide financial assistance to female students who are pursuing engineering degrees in the iron and steel industry
- Promote the participation and representation of women in the iron and steel industry
- Recognize the academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement of the applicants
- Support the mission and vision of the AIST Foundation and the AIST Midwest Chapter
Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship and what are the requirements?
To be eligible to apply for the Betty McKern Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a woman who is a resident of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin
- You must be a member of the AIST Midwest Chapter or a dependent of a member of the AIST Midwest Chapter
- You must be a graduating high school senior who will be enrolling in college for the fall semester, or an undergraduate student in your first, second, or third year who is currently enrolled in an accredited North American college or university
- You must be seeking an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in engineering to prepare for a career in the iron and steel industry
- You must be a full-time student who is planning to attend school in the United States
- You must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- You must demonstrate participation in community service, extracurricular activities, leadership, or work
How much is the scholarship worth and what are the benefits?
The Betty McKern Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women is worth $3,000 and is awarded to one recipient each year. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, depending on the availability of funds and the academic performance of the recipient. The scholarship can be used to cover tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses.
The benefits of the scholarship are not only financial, but also professional and personal. As a recipient of the Betty McKern Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women, you will:
- Receive recognition and support from the AIST Foundation and the AIST Midwest Chapter
- Gain access to networking and mentoring opportunities with industry professionals and peers
- Enhance your resume and career prospects in the iron and steel industry
- Honor the legacy and achievements of Betty McKern, a pioneer and leader in the iron and steel industry
Available Courses
The Betty McKern Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women is open to students who are pursuing any engineering degree that is relevant to the iron and steel industry. Some examples of the available courses are:
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
When is the deadline to apply for the scholarship and how to submit the application?
The deadline to apply for the Betty McKern Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women is January 31, 2024. The application process is online and consists of the following steps:
- Visit the AIST Foundation website and create an account
- Fill out the online application form and provide your personal information, academic information, and career goals
- Upload your official transcript, resume or CV, and a photo of yourself
- Submit two letters of recommendation or evaluation from a counselor, teacher, or professor. The letters should be sent directly to the AIST Foundation by email or mail by February 15, 2024
- Review and submit your application
You will receive a confirmation email after you submit your application. The AIST Foundation will review all the applications and select the recipient based on the eligibility criteria and the quality of the application. The recipient will be notified by email and phone by March 31, 2024. The recipient will also be announced on the AIST Foundation website and the AIST Midwest Chapter newsletter.
Where can the applicants find more information and contact details?
If you have any questions or need more information about the Betty McKern Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women, you can visit the AIST Foundation website or contact the AIST Foundation by email at foundation@aist.org or by phone at +1 724-814-3000. You can also contact the AIST Midwest Chapter by email at midwestchapter@aist.org or by phone at +1 219-226-2000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions and answers about the Betty McKern Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women:
Conclusion
The Betty McKern Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women is a great opportunity for female students who are interested in pursuing engineering degrees and careers in the iron and steel industry. The scholarship provides financial assistance, recognition, and support to the applicants who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and community involvement. The scholarship also honors the legacy and achievements of Betty McKern, a pioneer and leader in the iron and steel industry.
If you are eligible and interested in applying for the Betty McKern Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women, don’t hesitate to submit your application before the deadline of January 31, 2024. You can find all the information and details about the scholarship, the requirements, the benefits, the application process, and the deadline on the AIST Foundation website. You can also contact the AIST Foundation or the AIST Midwest Chapter for any questions or inquiries.
Don’t miss this chance to apply for this amazing scholarship and join the ranks of the previous winners who have gone on to pursue their dreams in the iron and steel industry. Apply now and good luck!
