The Wisconsin Chapter of AITP offers the SAMA award program to honor the memory of Sherry Anklam, a Chapter Past President who embodied all of the best values of a leader, mentor, educator and all-around great human being. |
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Sherry passed away in 1995 at the early age of 44, but not before leaving her mark on AITP, the NEW Chapter of AITP, and the IT community she loved. She was a role model for those who knew her with her dedication to excellence in all she pursued, including educational pursuits, ethical standards, a work ethic second to none, and her dedication to the profession through AITP.
This financial award, referred to as the Sherry Anklam Memorial Award or SAMA, is offered in the Spring and/or Fall of each school year to worthy applicants who are active in the IT community and/or their local IT clubs. Applicant must be attending a college, university or technical college located in Wisconsin or Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The criteria for selection for this award includes academic achievement, leadership, IT club & IT community participation, and non-IT community involvement.
The chapter board can also direct awards to student chapters/clubs for worthwhile educational projects which they believe will benefit the student chapter members, the school's IT community and honors the ideals that Sherry stood for.
SAMA CASH AWARD: $1,000 - Unrestricted use for Full Time* students *Student status of half-time or full-time will be determined based on the designation made by the institution attended at the time of application | GRASSr00tz AWARD: $1,000 - Unrestricted use The AITP Chapter is working in conjunction with the GRASSr00tz Conference to find Information Technology students who are pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity, System Security or Information Security. |
 All IT students are eligible, even Seniors about to graduate! And what's lit is your application can be considered for both awards, SAMA and GRASSr00tz. Potential for two awards with a single application?? Wicked! |
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Applicant must be attending a college, university or technical college located in Wisconsin or Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
- Applicant can be a half-time student or full-time student (as defined by their institution) pursuing a degree in Information Technology or a related technology discipline.
- The award will be made on merit without reference to financial need.
- Previous winners are not eligible.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
- Demonstrated leadership skills.
- Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) is considered, as provided on official transcripts from the student’s institution.
- Participation/Attendance at AITP events, local IT Club meetings, technology conferences and other ways the student introduced or utilized technology within their community.
How do I APPLY?
APPLICATION STEPS:
STEP #1 – Complete and submit the Application Questions shown below to awards@newaitp.orgSTEP #2 – Send an Official Student Transcript to awards@newaitp.org
STEP #3 – Send a current Resume to awards@newaitp.org
Application items may be sent in a single email or multiple emails
**Only applicants who have completed STEPS #1, #2 and #3 will be considered for awards.APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
- Applicant’s Full Name
- Applicant’s Home Address (street, city, state, zip code)
- Applicant’s Phone Number
- Applicant’s Email
- College Name
- College Major (and Minor if applicable)
- Planned Graduation Date
- Provide a short statement of your educational academic achievements and future occupational goals. Please include achievements and goals which are related to information technology.
- List any information which details your community involvement and extra efforts. (e.g., AITP activities, IT Club activities, extracurricular activities, honors, professional associations, etc.)
When is the Due Date for Application?
All materials must be submitted by April 30, 2026 to awards@newaitp.org to be considered.
All applicants will be informed of their application status once reviewed and finalized by Awards Committee.
Distribution will take place on or after June 1, 2026.
Please email your APPLICATION and all QUESTIONS to: awards@newaitp.org
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