Steel House: Since 1953
Steel House members will find valuable leadership opportunities and experiences that will be assets to building a stronger resume after college. The women build lasting friendships with a unique living experience that cannot be duplicated. Selflessness, consideration, respect, understanding for others, and pride in the house characterize the Women of Steel.
Ethel K. Steel along with former residents, set up scholarships for women living in the house. The scholarships are based on academics, contribution to the house, and leadership. Those holding the positions in the house are often awarded scholarships.
Ethel K. Steel House Scholarships:
In 1953, when Ethel K. Steel allowed her name to be attached to Steel House, she set up a scholarship fund. This fund allowed a small scholarship for two residents to help pay their expenses while attending the University of Idaho.
In the late 1980's, a group of Steel House residents added additional funds to the scholarships by turning "fine monies" into scholarships. Now Steel House has over $7,000 per year to award to it's residents as scholarship funds to attend the University of Idaho. Scholarship requirements are as follows:
1) A minimum of a 2.75 GPA
2) Must have lived in Steel House two semesters
3) One of the larger scholarships requires a 3.0 GPA
4) Residence in Steel House the full duration (an academic year) of the scholarship.
The scholarships are divided into various categories. There are scholarships for sophomores, seniors, "longevity" in Steel House, the Janitorial Manager, the Kitchen Manager, and often the president. As funds are available, other residents who don't meet specific criteria may apply for "general" scholarships. Scholarships are applied to through the alumni board members and awarded by the Financial Aid Office.
Interested in applying for a scholarship?
Interested residents are requested to submit a statement (of 500 words or less) as to why they feel they should be awarded a scholarship at Steel House. In the narrative, the student must include her most recent accumulative GPA.
Application deadline for all scholarships is April 1st of any given academic year for the following year. Accumulative GPA's are figured on the previous fall grades. Janitorial and Kitchen Manager applications are due at the same time. Before final awarding of scholarship, resident must have signed a Steel House Contract for the following fall.
For those applying for Janitorial or Kitchen Manager, a current resume must also be submitted. These two positions are "applied" for and not voted on by the E-Board (governing board of Steel House residents). The women working in the positions of Janitorial and Kitchen Manager, work for the Alumni board but are included as members of the student E-Board.
For more information on scholarships, or to send an application, contact:
In addition to the scholarships, a percentage (up to 25%) of the scholarship fund set up by the residents in the 80's, is used for "improvements" to the house. These funds help pay for the wireless Internet and various educational expenses. The funds from the 2007 - 2008 Endowments helped pay for the refurbishing of the piano that was donated to the house by the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. In addition, the funds have helped purchase furnishings for the house that are related to "education."
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