Outokumpu and University of South Alabama partnership strengthens pathways for future engineers

Outokumpu and University of South Alabama partnership strengthens pathways for future engineers

Outokumpu and the University of South Alabama are celebrating a milestone in their longstanding partnership as Jessica Ivory becomes the first recipient of the Outokumpu Scholarship in Engineering and a 2026 summer intern at Outokumpu's Calvert mill.

The scholarship, funded through an endowed gift established by Outokumpu, supports engineering students at South while strengthening connections between higher education and advanced manufacturing along the Gulf Coast.

Ivory, a Mobile native and mechanical engineering student entering her junior year, was selected as the inaugural recipient and is spending the summer gaining hands-on manufacturing experience through an internship at Outokumpu.

The milestone reflects a shared commitment to developing the next generation of engineers, expanding opportunities for students and supporting workforce development across the region.

"South has been instrumental in helping us develop local talent," said Chantal van der Walt, senior vice president of human resources, business area Americas, Outokumpu. "Through this scholarship and internship opportunity, we're investing directly in students while they're still in school. Together, we're helping create pathways to meaningful careers while strengthening the future workforce of our region."

The scholarship builds on a longstanding relationship between Outokumpu and South's College of Engineering that includes internships, recruitment initiatives and career development opportunities for students.

"At the University of South Alabama, we are committed to preparing students to solve real-world engineering challenges through hands-on learning and strong industry partnerships," said Dr. Darryl James, dean of the College of Engineering. "Our collaboration with Outokumpu gives students the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom, gain valuable professional experience and launch careers that contribute to the economic growth and innovation of our region. We are proud to see Jessica become the first recipient of this scholarship and look forward to seeing many more students benefit from this investment."

As a woman pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, Ivory's experience also highlights the importance of creating pathways for more students to explore careers in advanced manufacturing. By working alongside experienced professionals in a world-class manufacturing environment, students gain practical skills while discovering career opportunities close to home.

Together, Outokumpu and South are investing in students today to strengthen the workforce and communities of tomorrow.
 

About Outokumpu

Outokumpu is accelerating the green transition as the global leader in sustainable stainless steel. The company's business is built on the circular economy, with products made from up to 95% recycled materials that are fully recyclable at the end of their life cycle. Outokumpu stainless steel is used in applications ranging from infrastructure and transportation to household appliances. In the United States, Outokumpu operates America's most advanced stainless steel mill in Calvert, Alabama. With its broad product portfolio and industry-leading technical expertise, Outokumpu is the second-largest producer of sustainable stainless steel in the United States.

Learn more at www.outokumpu.com.

About the University of South Alabama College of Engineering

The University of South Alabama College of Engineering prepares future engineers through hands-on learning, cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration. With state-of-the-art facilities, accomplished faculty and strong partnerships with industry, government and academic institutions, South equips graduates with the technical expertise, critical thinking and leadership skills to solve complex challenges and drive innovation in their communities and beyond.

Learn more at SouthAlabama.edu.