Dec. 12, 2006 — The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and the Association for Iron & Steel Technology Foundation (AIST Foundation) have announced that applications for the third year of FeMET Scholarships are being accepted now through March 2, 2007.

“2005 and 2006 have proven to be a great success for FeMET, as we awarded 20 scholarships to deserving students across North America,” said Andrew G. Sharkey III, AISI President and CEO. “The first class of 10 scholars has already completed successful summer internships in steel plants across North America. These students graduate in a few months and are ready to pursue employment in the steel industry.”

Each scholarship includes US$5,000 for the scholar’s junior year, a paid summer internship with a North American steel company between his/her junior and senior year, and an additional $5,000 toward his/her senior year tuition.

“From the testimonials we have received from the students currently involved with FeMET, the program has been successful in creating desire for these individuals to join the steel industry work force,” said Ron Ashburn, Executive Director of AIST. “Several members of the inaugural class have already accepted full-time steel employment, and we are actively assisting the others to find the same. Our goal is to place 100% of the FeMET Scholars into the steel industry.”

Instructions for applying can be found on the AISI and AIST Foundation Web sites, www.steel.org and www.aist.org. The application deadline is March 2, 2007.

The AIST Foundation seeks to attract young, technology-oriented professionals to the industry by promoting the high-tech, diverse and well-paying nature of careers in modern steelmaking. Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis to talented and dedicated students to encourage the pursuit of a career within iron- and steel-related industries. Approximately $340,000 will be awarded in 2006 through the AIST Foundation and its affiliated groups. The AIST Foundation is a Pennsylvania-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that is part of AIST, an international professional and technical association of more than 14,000 professional and student members. As the industry continues to evolve, the AIST Foundation will strive to develop new and innovative programs to support the future of the iron and steel technology. For more information about AIST, visit www.aist.org.

AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI is comprised of 32 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and 125 associate and affiliate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. AISI's member companies represent more than 75 percent of both U.S. and North American steel capacity. For more news about steel and its applications, view AISI’s Web site at www.steel.org.