A. O. Smith and PHCC Educational Foundation Award College Scholarships

Falls Church, Va., Aug. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today A. O. Smith (www.hotwater.com) announced the winners of two $2,500 scholarships for students pursuing plumbing-heating-cooling related studies.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100616/CL21677LOGO )

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Educational Foundation administers the scholarship program and is responsible for selecting the award winners. The scholarship program is designed to attract the new talent essential to the future of the plumbing and HVACR industry.

The 2011 scholarship recipients are Katie Burns of Social Circle, Ga., and Megan Schroeder of Maple Grove, Minn.

Katie Burns has enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga., pursuing a degree in business management. Her aspirations are to own and run the family plumbing business, which has been in the Burns family since 1920. Katie will be the fourth generation to work in the industry, hoping to expand the business's reach to a wider clientele.

Megan Schroeder has enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. Her interests lie mainly with creating applications for renewable energy technologies and conservation strategies that protect the planet and preserve energy. While working with her father, Jon Schroeder, Megan has learned about some of the industry's new processes and products available to residential and commercial applications.

"For eight consecutive years, A. O. Smith has supported the future leaders of the PHCC industry with annual collegiate scholarships. We are proud to sponsor these qualified and talented students in their pursuit of a career within our industry," said A. O. Smith Brand Manager David Chisolm.

To qualify for a PHCC Educational Foundation scholarship (www.foundation.phccweb.org), students must submit a detailed application including a letter of recommendation from an active member of the PHCC – National Association and enroll in a plumbing-heating-cooling related course of study or apprentice program such as business management, construction management or science specializing in mechanical construction or mechanical engineering.

About A. O. Smith

Headquartered in Ashland City, Tenn., A. O. Smith Water Products Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of residential and commercial water heaters and boilers. A. O. Smith offers contractors an additional competitive advantage in that the company designs, builds, distributes and field supports the world's broadest and deepest line of residential and commercial water heaters, as well as commercial boilers. This single-source concept simplifies ordering, installation and service and is backed by more than 70 years of research and innovation. For more information, visit www.hotwater.com.

About PHCC Educational Foundation

The PHCC Educational Foundation, a partnership of contractors, manufacturers, and wholesalers, was founded in 1987 to serve the plumbing-heating-cooling industry by preparing contractors and their employees to meet the challenges of a constantly changing marketplace. Students interested in pursuing a career in the plumbing or HVACR professions are invited to visit www.foundation.phccweb.org for information on 2012 scholarships.

SOURCE A. O. Smith Water Products Company