The NFPA Education and Technology Foundation has awarded 20 $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing fluid power related fields of study. One of the winners, Kevin Shen, is attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. We asked Kevin a few questions about winning the scholarship.
What does winning a Fluid Power Scholarship mean to you?
It is an honor to receive the Fluid Power Scholarship. This scholarship encourages me to continue a career in science, technology, and engineering, and it shows that my skills and work can be valued in industry. Just as importantly, the Fluid Power Scholarship helps me to afford and attend my dream school, MIT. Thank you again to the NFPA for sponsoring this scholarship.
Why did you choose to learn about fluid power?
My interest in flight has led me to learn more about the systems that make airliners, spacecraft, and rockets work. I've learned that fluid power permeates almost all modern aerospace systems. Such fluid power systems actuate control surfaces, transmit energy between systems, and more, and understanding these systems is essential to my career aspirations.
What are your career aspirations? What type of fluid power job do you hope to get after you graduate?
I am currently interested in studying aerospace engineering, and I am excited to use the knowledge I will gain in college to improve aircraft and spacecraft in my career. Doing such engineering or mechanical work will certainly require the use of hydraulics, pneumatics, and more. I am still learning about various career options and am open to exploration, but it seems that any way I go, there's a good chance I'll be involved with fluid power, one way or another.
A minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0, 500-word essay, and letter of recommendation were required from each applicant. The NFPA Foundation’s goal is to help graduating high school students, and individuals enrolled in community colleges, technical schools and universities pursue their academic interests in fluid power.
One way NFPA members can get involved with scholarship programs is to volunteer as a judge to serve on the application review committee. This year 34 judges from 26 NFPA member companies reviewed 241 eligible student applications to the Fluid Power Scholarship program. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Haley Nemeth at hnemeth@nfpa.com.