Education foundation expands scholarships, educational programming
On the floor of NA 2008, don’t be surprised to see plenty of wide-eyed young people exploring the exhibits. Their presence marks the expansion of efforts by the Material Handling Education Foundation Inc. (MHEFI) to encourage young adults to enter materials handling logistics. The independent, non-profit organization, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2006, has awarded more than 575 scholarships totaling nearly $2 million since its inception, says Victoria Wheeler, MHEFI executive director.
By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 4/18/2008 11:17:00 AM
On the floor of NA 2008, don’t be surprised to see plenty of wide-eyed young people exploring the exhibits. Their presence marks the expansion of efforts by the Material Handling Education Foundation Inc. (MHEFI) to encourage young adults to enter materials handling logistics. The independent, non-profit organization, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2006, has awarded more than 575 scholarships totaling nearly $2 million since its inception, says Victoria Wheeler, MHEFI executive director.This year, MHEFI is partnering with the Material Handling Institute to support a new curriculum program in high schools and technical schools in response to the workforce shortage in every sector.
“The foundation is proud to welcome all the students attending NA 2008 to get a first-hand look at the wide variety of material handling logistics equipment and technologies displayed on the show floor,” says Wheeler.
Annually, MHEFI awards an average of 30 scholarships—supported by members of the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA)—to promising students studying for careers in the industry. To meet needs throughout the supply chain, the scope of the scholarships has been broadened to include students in business management, transportation and logistics, supply chain execution, as well as industrial engineering. Scholarship amounts range from $1,500 to $7,000.
“Ninety percent of recipients stay in the material handling field, either working for member companies of MHIA, at material handling logistics companies, for end users or in academia,” explains Wheeler. “Of those, 60% go to work for the user end, so they’ll be on the show floor as the buyers.”
Scholarship recipients have been hired by a diverse list of corporations, including IBM, General Motors, Ford, 3M, General Electric, Merck and Goodyear, she notes.
The scholarships are grouped into three types of funds: company funds, named scholarship funds and material handling industry product section/trade association funds. They are funded by individuals, corporations, MHIA members and other friends of the foundation. Contributors can choose an established fund or an individual scholarship.
“Industry members interested in creating a named scholarship can establish one by donating $1,500 or more,” says Wheeler. “Donors of named scholarships can specify the area of study they want to require. Depending on what the companies need, they can specify what school or what type of study they want the student to pursue.”
To learn more about MHEFI, drop by the MHIA booth where a visual presentation will be available documenting the careers of past recipients and their contributions to the field of material handling. More information about MHEFI is available at www.mhefi.net, or by calling 704-676-1190.
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