Alabama Iron and Steel Council

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Alabama Iron & Steel Council Launches Scholarship Initiative

February 27, 2019

Alabama Iron & Steel Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Brooks McClendon | (334) 386-3000 | brooks@manufacturealabama.org

MONTGOMERY, AL (February 19, 2019) –Alabamians who want to pursue a career in iron or steel manufacturing have a new opportunity to earn an industry-sponsored scholarship to one of the state’s community colleges.

The Alabama Iron & Steel Council (AISC) has launched a new scholarship initiative that will award two community college students a $2,000 scholarship to begin classes in the Summer or Fall 2019 semesters. New scholarships will be awarded in subsequent years, and existing scholarships will be eligible for renewal until the student’s coursework is complete.

Students who apply for the scholarship must enroll at an Alabama community college and should select a mechanical or electrical industrial maintenance program, or similar course of study, that pertains to iron or steel production.

Interested students should visit AlabamaIronAndSteelCouncil.com to learn more and apply. The deadline to apply is May 1.

According to the AISC, the average wage earned at its core member facilities is more than $95,000 per year, and career iron and steel manufacturing employees in Alabama routinely earn more than $100,000 annually.

While two students will receive a scholarship during the first year, scholarship applicants may have opportunities to meet and interview with AISC member company representatives for co-ops, internships, apprenticeships or full-time employment.

Maury D. Gaston, Chairman of the AISC and Manager of Marketing Services at AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company, said the scholarship initiative is a foundation for students seeking to work in the iron and steel manufacturing sector.

“Creating opportunities for young people to start a rewarding career in Alabama’s iron and steel manufacturing sector is the reason we decided to create this scholarship,” he said. “We hope it will be a source of inspiration to Alabama students, and will create an avenue for them to continue their education and earn a very meaningful living.”

Jimmy Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, echoed Gaston’s support for programs that provide avenues for Alabama’s residents to train in viable careers.

“We believe that community colleges have the best chance and the best vehicle to change the state. Our workforce partners, such as AISC, work closely with us to prepare generations for an excellent class of workers who build strong careers that subsequently build strong communities,” Chancellor Baker stated. “This scholarship is another opportunity for residents to affordably learn a skill that will benefit their families for years to come.”

About AISC

The Alabama Iron & Steel Council (AISC) represents the interests of iron and steel producers and their supplier-vendor partners throughout the state. Formed in 2008 to promote and advise public officials on strategies to enhance the competitiveness of Alabama’s iron and steel manufacturing sector, the Council affiliated with Manufacture Alabama in 2011 to expand its scope and effectiveness. Manufacture Alabama is the state’s only trade association dedicated exclusively to manufacturers and their supplier/vendor partners. Today, the AISC continues to focus on legislative and regulatory issues, as well as industry promotion efforts and education through the provision of scholarships.

AISC member companies include AM/NS Calvert; AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company; CMC Steel; McWane, Inc.; Nucor Steel; Outokumpu Stainless USA; SSAB Americas; U.S. Pipe & Foundry; United States Steel; Alabama Power Company; Colburn Construction, Inc.; ERP Compliant Coke; OMI-Bisco Refractories; O’Neal Manufacturing Services; Reno Refractories; Southeast Gas and Southern Alloy Corporation.

Alabama Iron and Steel Council