Call for scholarship essays
"How Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Can Help Save the World"
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials is a worldwide organization made up of dedicated professionals striving to make our planet a safer and healthier place in which to live. With IAPMO’s emphasis on clean air, water and sustainable energy, its members have become the frontline warriors in a battle for the very existence of the Earth itself. Whether you call it global warming, climate change or just cyclical fluctuations in the planet’s ecosystem, the work IAPMO does saving water, energy and promoting health has an immediate effect on every human being on this planet.
IAPMO’s chapters are strong and growing, its members are the leaders in industry and the government, and the association recently had a huge influx of student/apprentice members. But there are troubling signs on the horizon; chapters are getting collectively older. While there are new inspectors, contractors and engineers joining the ranks, the vast majority of members who came out of the baby boom are now reaching retirement age.
It is with these thoughts in mind that the IAPMO Board of Directors has chosen to establish an Scholarship based on an Essay Competition to attract young people to IAPMO and reinforce the importance of plumbing and mechanical systems in our collective battle for sustainability.
This scholarship will be open to members — and their children — of IAPMO, PHCC, MCAA, the UA and ASSE who are currently enrolled in high school, community college, trade school, four-year accredited college or university or trade school, or working in an apprentice program.
The essay must be completely original and a minimum of 1,000 words. The deadline for submission of the essay will be June 1, 2010, via email, fax or mail to IAPMO World Headquarters. The scholarship winners will be announced next September at the 2010 IAPMO Education and Business Conference in Seattle. The top scholarship will be $500, publication of the essay in the award-winning OFFICIAL Magazine and on the IAPMO Website, and a one-year membership to IAPMO. Second and third place winners will receive $250 and $100, respectively, and also be published in OFFICIAL and on the IAPMO Website.
The topic of the first annual IAPMO scholarship essay is “How Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Can Help Save the World.” In light of IAPMO’s current outreach programs and work in India, Africa, South America and China, this topic reflects the global implications of the plumbing and mechanical trade and its response to a changing environment.
This is a fantastic opportunity for young people, so get the word out and let’s get this next generation of industry leaders thinking about how important our work really is.
To submit an essay, please include your name, your school's name, your parent's name (if applicable) and the name of your/their eligible trade association or union local. All essays should be sent to Ms. Gabriella Davis at IAPMO by e-mail at Gaby.Davis@IAPMO.org; by fax at (909) 472-4222; or by mail to her attention at IAPMO, 5001 E. Philadelphia St., Ontario, CA 91761.