DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS (August 23, 2001) -- Displaying its ongoing commitment to safety and education, the American Society of Safety Engineers Foundation (ASSEF) today announced the scholarships now available for the 2001-2002 academic year for undergraduates and graduates studying occupational safety and health.

Nearly $35,000 in annual scholarships are available for students pursuing a degree in safety engineering, safety management, occupational health nursing, occupational medicine, risk management, ergonomics, industrial hygiene, fire safety, environmental safety, environmental health or other safety-related fields. Specifics on how to apply and qualify for the scholarships can be found at the ASSEF website at www.asse.org/foundat.htm under scholarship program or by calling 847-699-2929. Students applying for more than one scholarship should fill out only one application. The Foundation is accepting scholarship applications from now until December 1, 2001, and the winners will be posted on the Foundation's website by April 1, 2002.

The undergraduate scholarships for students pursuing a degree in occupational safety include various UPS scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $6,000; two $1,000 Marsh Risk Consulting scholarships and the Thomas F. Bresnahan Distinguished Service Award scholarship, a $2,000 award. There are also three undergraduate scholarships and one graduate scholarship, each $3,375, from the Ford Motor Company, which is for women pursuing a degree in occupational safety and health. Both the Thompson Scholarship for Women in Safety, with a $1,000 award, and the James P. Kohn Memorial Scholarship, $2,000, are for students pursuing a graduate degree in occupational safety and health.

Each year the Foundation awards funds for applied safety research, scholarships, fellowships, internships and professional development. Funding for the Foundation comes from corporations and ASSE members - individual and through chapters countrywide, which has significantly increased by 25 percent over the past four years.

The increase in support of the Foundation comes at a critical time. Federal agencies such as the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are reporting a drop in the number of students entering the field of occupational safety and health while the need for the expertise is on the rise nationally and internationally.

Founded in 1911, the non-profit ASSE is the oldest and largest professional safety organization and is committed to protecting people, property, and the environment. Its over 30,000 members manage, supervise, and consult on safety, health, and environmental issues in industry, insurance, government and education. For more information visit its website at www.asse.org.