DES PLAINES, IL (April 27, 2001) -- The American Society of Safety Engineers Foundation (ASSEF) received a $45,000 grant from the Ford Motor Company recently to support a scholarship program for women pursuing a degree in health and safety.

      "We are delighted to have the support of Ford Motor Company," said Foundation Chair Edwin P. Granberry, Jr. In addition to supporting the Foundation, Ford has more than 80 employees who are members of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE).

      "The safety of our people is paramount to Ford," said Dr. Vincent Kerr, director of healthcare management for Ford. "We will not compromise on safety and programs that support this commitment are of vital importance. We commend the American Society of Safety Engineers Foundation for making these kinds of scholarship opportunities available to students and professionals. We rely on partnerships with organizations like ASSE to enhance our efforts to adopt programs and processes that protect the well-being of our employees and their families."

      The scholarship will be introduced this fall, with an initial distribution of $13,500. The number and amount of the awards has yet to be determined.

      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 32,000 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.