Application
The Galvanize the Future: A Richard L. Brooks Memorial essay contest was developed to help future specifiers with the rising cost of a college education. The scholarship aims to teach these specifiers a little about hot-dip galvanizing while providing them with funding for their education.
To apply, please fill out the form below and attach your essay. Your essay must answer one of the following two questions in 1,000-2,000 words and be in Word, Rich Text Format, or Adobe Acrobat PDF format.
Essay Questions (choose one)
1. Protecting our Nation's Infrastructure with Galvanized Steel - Every four years, the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Report Card for America’s Infrastructure depicts the condition and performance of American infrastructure in the familiar form of a school report card—assigning letter grades based on the physical condition and needed investments for improvement. In 2025 ASCE conducted this study and gave the nation’s infrastructure a “C“ grade. Review ASCE’s dedicated Report Card for America’s Infrastructure website and find infrastructure project(s) in the AGA’s Project Gallery that are in your local area (click “More Filters” and select a stat from the drop-down). Visit the project(s) site to visually inspect the project, take photos, and write a report on its overall condition, its impact on the local community and how hot-dip galvanized (HDG) steel will protect the project from corrosion over its life. Use resources found on the AGA website to explain how using hot-dip galvanizing to protect steel from corrosion will ultimately increase ASCE’s infrastructure grade in future reports.
2. Empowering Renewable Energy Sustainably Using Galvanized Steel - As the world transitions towards a more sustainable future, renewable energy projects play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and securing a greener tomorrow. One significant aspect of these projects often overlooked is the choice of construction materials that align with the sustainability goals of renewable energy. In a well-researched and thoughtful essay, explore how galvanized steel contributes to the sustainability of renewable energy projects. Your essay should address the following:
- The environmental, economic (lifecycle cost) and social benefits (sustainability) of galvanized steel, including its recyclability and potential role in a circular economy
- Key material properties that make galvanized steel suitable for harsh environments and extend service life
- Case studies or real-world examples demonstrating its successful use in renewable energy infrastructure (e.g., solar, wind, hydro)