The industrial hygiene profession needs a pipeline of highly trained and skilled professionals if it is to continue to meet the needs of a global economy. The American Industrial Hygiene Foundation‘s (AIHA)) purpose is to provide scholarships to the best and the brightest to insure this critical need is being met.To continue to do this the Foundation needs the support of AIHA’s Local Sections.
The Foundation has provided scholarships to support hundreds of new practitioners in this rapidly evolving field. Supporting top quality individuals strengthens the quality of our practitioners, enhances the profession’s image and impacts our own careers. Donors have included individuals, local sections and corporations.
Your local section (or a regional group of local sections) can support these efforts through the AIHF. There are several ways your local section can participate.
What Is In It For the Local Section?
The AIHF will handle the administration of the contribution and the scholarship selection process. The Local Section would be recognized nationally for its contribution.
Who Determines the Scholarship Recipient?
The AIHF’s Scholarship Selection Committee is members of the AIHF Board of Trustees. All candidates will be reviewed and ranked using the AIHF scholarship selection criteria. Selection criteria include potential for leadership in the profession, academic performance, a written essay, and references.Should there be no qualified candidates available from the Local Section’s preferred school(s), one of three courses of action may take place, to be determined by the Local Section: the Local Section funds will be added to the AIHA Local Section Endowed Scholarship fund; the Local Section can allow selection of a candidate from outside their geographical area; or the Section funds will be deferred for one year until the next scholarship cycle. Unfortunately, IRS rules do not allow return of funds to a Local Section once donated.
What Is the AIHF Scholarship Application Cycle?
October 30Local Section scholarship form due to the AIHF
November 30AIHF sends out notice soliciting applications
February 28Scholarship funds due from the Local Sections
March 1Scholarship applications due
March 30Scholarship Committee review
April 15Awardees selected
May/June Awards announcedand awardees recognized at AIHce and awardees recognized
August 15Scholarship funds disbursed upon receipt of required documentation
The future of our profession, the sustainability of our technical mastery and the health and well being of workers and the community alike depend upon our ability to identify, mentor, and supportfuture industrial hygienists. Consider partnering with the AIHF!
If you have questions please contact Vicky Yobp at 703-846-769 or Thursa La at 703-846-0768.