October 21, 2019
Alcoa continues to back female engineers with scholarships
Aspiring female engineers have the opportunity to secure financial and in-kind support thanks to resources company Alcoa, which continues to be a leader in supporting women in this non-traditional field.
Alcoa, which operates bauxite mines and alumina refineries in the south west of Western Australia, was the first company to initiate scholarships for women studying engineering at Perth’s Curtin University more than a decade ago – a move that inspired other companies to offer similar opportunities.
Alcoa is now offering another two one-year $5,000 scholarships for the 2020 academic year at Curtin with applications opening on 14 October and closing on 6 March. More details can be found on Curtin’s website.
2019 scholarship recipients Tomisin Adesanya and Taylor Donati, who are both enrolled in double degrees at Curtin University in Perth, urged interested people to apply.
"Being granted the Alcoa Bev Corless scholarship this year has not only allowed me to apply myself fully to my studies by alleviating the financial pressures of being a university student but has also allowed me to build a stronger rapport with the company,” Taylor said.
“My time spent with Alcoa as a chemical engineering vacation student helped me to identify and strengthen my passion for mineral processing and also to understand the career path I wish to take as a graduate.”
Tomisin said the financial support provided via the scholarship had allowed her to dedicate more time towards her studies.
The Alcoa Bev Corless Women in Engineering Scholarships, named in honour of one of the company’s former outstanding engineers, aim to increase the number of females in the profession while also promoting sustainability in engineering planning and design.
Full-time female students enrolled in their second, third, fourth or fifth year of studies at Curtin can apply. Eligible engineering courses include Civil and Construction, Chemical, Electrical and Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Mining, and Metallurgical.
Applicants should demonstrate academic merit, leadership skills, a passion for their course of study, and interest in fields aligned to Alcoa career opportunities.
As well as providing a financial reward, the scholarships provide opportunities for women to further their careers through Alcoa’s Vacation Student Program.
Alcoa has a proud history in Western Australia, employing more than 3770 people across its two bauxite mines, three alumina refineries and corporate offices.
ENDS
Media contacts:
Jane McGuire, Senior Communications Adviser, 0410 694 676, jane.mcguire@alcoa.com
Mika Sangalli, Senior Communications Adviser, 0409 125 623, mika.sangalli@alcoa.com