AIST Foundation Trade School Scholarship

The deadline to apply for the 2026–2027 academic year is 30 June 2026.

Application

The AIST Foundation offers up to 10 Trade School and Community College Scholarships annually, each valued at US$2,600. These scholarships require a commitment to a paid affiliated internship, apprenticeship or work-based learning experience coordinated through the FAME USA program with a North American steel-producing or steel-related company during the Summer of 2026.

Current high school students planning to enroll in a trade school or community college, as well as students currently enrolled in two-year programs, are encouraged to apply.

To qualify for a scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

• I am a citizen of the United States.
• I am enrolled, or plan to enroll, in an accredited United States trade school or community college pursuing a two-year associate degree, diploma, or technical certificate related to skilled trades or technical careers.
• At the time of application, I am:
  • a current high school student planning to enroll in a trade school or community college for the 2026–2027 academic year, or
  • a current trade school or community college student with at least one academic term remaining.
• I am enrolled at least half-time, as defined by my institution, during the academic term in which the scholarship is awarded.
• I am pursuing a program aligned with careers in the iron and steel industry, including but not limited to:
  • Welding, electrical, mechanical, or industrial maintenance
  • Machining or manufacturing technology
  • Mechatronics, automation, or process technology
  • Operations engineering
  • Safety or industrial safety
  • Electrical or mechanical engineering technology
• I have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent.
• I am able and willing to commit to a FAME USA-coordinated internship, or other AIST approved work-based learning placement with a steel-producing company or steel industry supplier.
• I have a strong interest in pursuing a career in the iron and steel industry.

Required materials to be submitted for your Trade School and Community College Scholarship application:

All documents must be submitted in PDF format.

Résumé or Experience Summary

A résumé is preferred; however, applicants with limited work history may submit an experience summary including academic coursework, technical training, certifications in progress, school-based labs, part-time work, volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, or leadership roles. Document must be submitted in PDF format.

Essay

An essay not to exceed two pages, describing career goals, interest in a skilled trades or technical career within the iron and steel industry, and how the applicant’s skills or training could contribute to the industry. Essay must include the applicant’s name and be submitted in PDF format.

Academic Transcript or Academic Record

• High school students may submit a high school transcript or official documentation of academic standing.
• Trade school or community college students may submit an official or unofficial transcript or equivalent academic record.

Recommendation Letter

A minimum of one letter is required; up to five letters may be submitted. Letters may be written by teachers, instructors, counselors, employers, coaches, or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s work ethic, skills, or career interests. Letters from trade school or community college instructors, FAME USA employer partners, or steel-related companies will be given additional consideration.