DES PLAINES, IL (January 23, 2001) -- The American Society of Safety Engineers Foundation (ASSEF) received a $13,750 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of United Parcel Service.

The grant will be used as a scholarship for students pursuing a four-year BS/BA degree in occupational safety and health and/or a related field (ie: safety engineering, safety management, systems safety, environmental science, industrial hygiene, ergonomics, fire science or another related safety, health or environmental program), according to ASSEF Education Chair Dr. Carter J. Kerk, assistant professor of industrial engineering, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.

This is the fifth year of the The UPS Scholarship Program. Since 1997, UPS has donated $96,250 to ASSEF. Last year's winners were Eric J. Babcock of the University in Maryland for studies in fire protection engineering, Karen S. Duke of Delgado Community College in Louisiana for studies in environmental health, Jennifer L. Martin of Millersville University in Pennsylvania for studies in occupational safety & hygiene management and Amanda Zych of Salisbury State University in Maryland for studies in environmental health.

Founded in 1951 and based in Atlanta, The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its support will have clear impact. Scholarships benefiting programs such as ASSEF positively impact communities today. The UPS Foundation has distributed more than $35 million throughout the U.S. and internationally. "United Parcel Service delivers much more than 12-million packages each day. We deliver support to communities worldwide," said Evern Cooper, Executive Director of The UPS Foundation. Cooper added that UPS is delighted the ASSEF shares its vision of improving communities.

Through its programs the ASSEF is committed to ensuring the future of occupational safety and health by providing financial resources to individuals and organizations. Each year the Foundation awards funds for applied safety research, scholarships, fellowships, internships and professional development. The ASSEF was established in 1990 to provide professional development and financial resources to qualified individuals and non-profit organizations. The Foundation seeks to advance safety and health development and research and education in the public interest.

Founded in 1911, the non-profit ASSE is the world's largest and oldest professional safety organization. Its 33,000 members located throughout the U.S. and the world, manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in industry, government, education and insurance.