The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) is accepting submissions for this year’s essay competition awarding scholarships to three young people affiliated with IAPMO and many of its industry partners.

Participants in this year’s contest are being asked to present their ideas of “Which Steps Can the Plumbing/Mechanical Industries Take to Encourage Businesses and Individuals to ‘Go Green’?” Conservation of water and energy have long been central to IAPMO’s mission to protect these precious resources on behalf of the public through safe, healthy and efficient plumbing and mechanical systems.

“The progress of technology has certainly touched our industry, as we’ve seen rapid advances in the potential efficiency of plumbing and mechanical systems across the board,” said Gary Hile, IAPMO president. “These advances, however, often come at a higher initial cost and their savings are not immediately recognized, which can present a roadblock to their adoption. I’m interested to read how the next generation perceives these advances and our industry’s role in promoting and further developing them.”

The competition is open to members — and their children — of IAPMO, ASPE, PHCC, MCAA, the UA and ASSE International who are currently enrolled in a high school, community college, trade school, four-year accredited college or university or working in an apprentice program. Submitted essays must be completely original and a minimum of 1,000 words. The essay entry deadline is June 1, 2013, via e-mail, fax or mail to IAPMO World Headquarters. The Sandra Imprescia Scholarship Essay Committee will judge all essays meeting the qualifications for entry and the winners will be announced in September at the 2013 IAPMO Education and Business Conference in Kansas City, Mo.

The author of the essay awarded first prize will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a one-year paid membership to IAPMO. The second place winner will receive a $750 scholarship and the third-place winner will receive a $500 scholarship. All winning essays will also be published in Official, IAPMO’s membership magazine, and on the IAPMO website.

Individuals who meet the qualifications to submit an essay to the competition should include their name, their school’s name and theirs or their parent’s professional affiliation with one of the qualifying trade associations or union locals. All essays should be sent to Ms. Gabriella Davis at IAPMO by e-mail at gaby.davis@iapmo.org; by fax at (909) 472-4150; or by standard mail to her attention at IAPMO, 4755 E. Philadelphia St., Ontario, CA 91761.

Source: IAPMO