College-level student interns can be a valuable addition to your shop--and now the AISC Education Foundation provides funding to help you attract the best candidates!

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE SUNDAY, JANUARY 4

The new Summer Internship Grants program (an exclusive benefit for AISC full member fabricators) is designed to encourage students to pursue summer internships with steel fabrication companies, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the breadth of opportunities available within our industry.

The Education Foundation will provide up to five $5,000 grants directly to student interns--and the benefits for them continue beyond their last day at your shop. Your interns will be eligible to apply for an additional $5,000 Bert Cooper Scholarship for the academic year following their time with your firm.

The application deadline is Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Eligibility

For an AISC Member Fabricator representative to apply, the incoming student intern must:

• work a minimum of 160 hours during the months of June-August.
• be paid a livable wage based on the total compensation package or offer equivalent college-level course credit.
• be a college-level student at the time of the summer internship.
• engage in work activities as part of the internship that increase the student’s knowledge of the structural steel industry.

Grant Overview

1. An AISC Member Fabricator representative from an AISC member fabricator applies for an AISC student internship grant (winter).
2. Following evaluation of the applications by a jury, recipients are selected, and each applicant will be notified of the status of their application in early 2026.
3. Company representatives can attend recruiting events on local campuses with the knowledge that this internship grant is available to their selected intern.
4. Once a company selects the student for their summer internship, the company representative will notify AISC staff and provide the student’s contact information.
5. Half of the award amount will be disbursed directly to the student at the outset of the summer internship.
6. The balance of the award amount will be disbursed upon completion of the internship. A short summary from the student will be required.

Bert Cooper Scholar Program

Upon completing the student’s summer internship, they will become eligible to apply for the Bert Cooper Scholar designation and receive a $5,000 scholarship.

Scholarship Overview

1. Throughout the month of August, eligible students will be able to apply for the Bert Cooper Scholarship.
2. The application will include a summary/essay explaining the experience during their summer internship at the fabrication company.
3. A recommendation will be requested from their supervisor and will be included as part of the application.
4. A jury will review the applications and choose up to five Bert Cooper scholars.
5. Students will be notified of their scholarship by late September.