Rules

The contest is open to Illinois students in 7th or 8th grade. All students must have a sponsoring adult: teacher, tutor, mentor, or counselor associated with an educational program.

1. Essays should be approximately 500 words, typed and double spaced on 8 1/2" x 11" white paper. Only one entry per person will be accepted. There is no entry fee.

2. Students must use a minimum of four sources. It is recommended that a combination of recently published materials, including periodicals and the Internet, are used along with at least one personal interview with a manufacturer. TMA can supply a list of manufacturers in your area. Sources, including interview subjects, must be cited at the end of the paper; citations are not to be counted as part of the 500 words. An overview of the industry can be found on the TMA web site at www.tmanet.com.

3. Each entry must be accompanied by an official entry form. The title of the paper and the student's name, school or educational program, and adult sponsor must appear in the top right-hand corner of each page of the entry; all pages should be numbered. Do NOT staple pages together.

4. Entries must be received by 4:00 p.m., January 25, 2002, at TMA, 1177 S. Dee Rd., Park Ridge, IL 60068. TMA is not responsible for entries lost in delivery. Entries can be dropped off at TMA Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

5. All entries become the property of the Tooling & Manufacturing Association and may be published without further permission or remuneration.

6. Winners will be notified by April 15, 2002. The winning students, their parents, and their teachers will be invited to the annual TMA Precision Metalworking Competition awards presentation, scheduled for May 17 in Rosemont, Illinois (date and location subject to change). Prizes will be presented at that time; winner need not be present to receive prize.

7. Prizes are U.S. Savings Bonds for students, with an equivalent monetary prize for the winners' school. First place is a $250 savings bond and $250 for the school; second place prize in $150 values, third place, $100. TMA reserves the right to offer similar prizes without notice.

8. Essays will be judged on accuracy, depth of research and writing quality by members of the TMA Education and Recruitment Committee or its designees. Judges' decisions are final.