At the American Industrial Hygiene Foundation we hear time and again from students who receive AIHF scholarships that they’re grateful not only for the financial assistance, but for knowing that the AIHA community believes in them enough to support their education. Some students have even shared that earning an AIHF scholarship was the reason they continued to earn their degree.

So far in 2019, thanks to the generous donations of AIHA members, AIHF has raised over $173,900, allowing us to establish four new scholarships. This means that in 2020 we can continue to award deserving students the funds they need to complete their education.

If you haven’t donated this year, it’s not too late to do so now.

Why should you join your peers in supporting aspiring IH/OEHS students? Here are four reasons.

• It's good for our health

A study from Harvard Business School and the University of British Columbia found that spending as little as $5 on someone else led to noticeable increases in happiness. In other words, we don’t need to be wealthy and donate hundreds of thousands of dollars to experience the benefits of prosocial spending; small changes—a few dollars reallocated from ourselves to another—can make a difference. And happiness is good for our health.

• To support future generations of IH/OHs

Students struggle to find the funds to cover the rising costs of education, and an increasing number of students are wary of taking on debt that they may struggle to pay off once they graduate. Scholarships ensure that these students can manage the expenses required while getting a great education. When you donate to AIHF, you’re investing in providing a legacy for future generations of IH/OHs.

• To be part of creating a safer and healthier workplace

Funding the education and professional development of students ensures that new talent continues to enter the field. The future success and growth of the industry is dependent on IH students’ success and our support. AIHF scholarships enable talented students to complete their education and encourage the most promising students to enter or remain in the industrial hygiene profession.

• To set a good example

When you make a charitable donation, you’re setting an example for the people around you. You will be an inspiration for your peers who may not have considered donating. Helping AIHF, and other charities, raises awareness of their causes and, hopefully, leads to more donations.

The American Industrial Hygiene Foundation is grateful for the members who donate every year to help the IH/OH professionals of tomorrow make positive impacts on workplace health and safety. To learn more about donating or to find out what types of donations are accepted, you can contact Thursa La or consult the AIHF website.