November 16, 2007
Engineering scholarship gives students an edge
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Engineering students at community colleges who want to work in the world of high-tech manufacturing have the opportunity to win a valuable scholarship and advance their education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
The Blaudow/ATS Technical Leadership Program in Manufacturing is a top college transfer scholarship in Illinois. The program seeks to recruit the state's finest manufacturing engineering students and future industry leaders to pursue studies at SIUC's College of Engineering as they finish their studies at community college.
"This program is really one of the best in the state," said John Nicklow, associate dean of the College of Engineering at SIUC. "It pays for a significant portion of tuition and gives the student valuable experience in industry. With an internship at ATS and the added leadership training, the winners of these scholarships have really jump-started their professional careers."
A $250,000 donation from Advanced Technology Services Inc. and its founder and chairman, Richard W. Blaudow and his wife, Brigitte, funds the scholarship and leadership training program. Blaudow is a 1970 graduate of SIUC, earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering technology. The couple made the gift to SIUC in 2006.
ATS provides managed services for production equipment maintenance, industrial parts repair and industrial technology infrastructure support for manufacturers. The program is aimed at identifying and supporting the future engineering leaders who will help sustain American manufacturing.
A committee of from the College of Engineering and ATS last year picked the first six recipients of the award. The recipients are majoring in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering and industrial technology.
The program includes a $14,000 scholarship for tuition and fees, two three-month paid internships and courses in leadership.
To be eligible for the program and scholarship, students must:
- Be community college transfer students with 48 credit hours that are applicable to an engineering degree from SIUC
- Demonstrate leadership accomplishments
- Possess military or entrepreneurial experience
- Demonstrate academic performance
- Demonstrate financial need
To apply, contact the SIUC College of Engineering for an application. Fill out the application, including a resume and cover letter and send it to: John Nicklow, associate dean, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, College of Engineering, 1230 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL 62901.
For more information, contact Nicklow at 68/453-4321 or nicklow@engr.siu.edu, or visit www.engr.siu.edu/scholarships/transfter.html.
The deadline for applications is Feb. 1.