$1m Steel Dynamics Foundation grant to Trine scholarships

ANGOLA, Ind. – Steel Dynamics Foundation, Inc., (Foundation) is providing a $1 million grant to fund a scholarship program at Trine University  as part of its ongoing investment in higher education  in the region, particularly in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and in the business  areas of finance and accounting.

The Foundation, located in Fort Wayne, has designated the program "to attract STEM and business students of outstanding ability."    "We are thrilled the Foundation will help us maintain the tradition of recruiting and enrolling a high academic caliber of students," said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine president.  "We look forward to working with the Foundation to offer these scholarships each year," Brooks said, adding that the funds are expected to last 10 years. "Trine is grateful for the generosity of Steel Dynamics Foundation and I'm certain our students will be happy about this, too."

The $5,000 scholarships will be available to incoming freshmen students enrolled in STEM programs or pursuing a business degree in accounting or finance. Students who receive a scholarship will be known as Steel Dynamics Scholars. Students must maintain academic standards and remain at Trine.

This initiative extends beyond Trine University as it affects future economic development in the region and state.  Mark Millett, board member and President and CEO of Steel Dynamics, Inc., elaborated.  "The Foundation has shown strong support for economic development in Northeastern Indiana. Providing top-notch education is one of the keys to achieving that goal. We are excited to partner with Trine to educate future leaders in our communities."

The class of 2016 (freshmen who started in fall 2012) boasts an average grade point average of 3.45 with 22 percent in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating classes. The engineering class of 2016 has an average GPA of 3.71 and 36 percent were in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating classes.  Ninety-two percent of 2012 Trine graduates were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.