2025-2026 Scholarship Application

Shariar Zaimi Memorial Scholarship 

The 7x24 Exchange Washington DC Chapter provides an educational forum bringing together Information Services/Technology and Facilities/Engineering/Real Estate organizations to promote better understanding of the design, implementation and management issues involved in achieving high levels of uninterrupted infrastructure support.  Our purpose is to support the data center ecosystem by focusing on three key pillars: Knowledge, Members, and Community.  In that spirit, the 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter will be awarding several scholarships in memory of Shariar Zaimi.  These scholarships will be provided to several students currently enrolled in or accepted to an accredited Engineering program. 

Shariar had great passion for both engineering and higher education.  He received a BS in Electrical Power Engineering from Tehran University, a MS in Electrical Power Engineering from George Washington University, and his MBA from the Wharton School of Business.  Shariar actively contributed to the engineering community by serving on various boards for universities and professional associations.  In 2009, the 7x24 DC Chapter was re-created.  Shariar was instrumental in its reformation and provided multiple resources to bring this chapter to life.  

In addition to being an industry recognized engineer, Shariar had a true entrepreneurial spirit.  Following his retirement from GE, Shariar was the founder and CEO of both Primary Integration, LLC and EDG2, Inc., a spin-off of his prior engineering company founded in 1986. 

The chapter is honored to provide these scholarships in memory of Shariar Zaimi, a great engineer, leader, mentor, and entrepreneur that devoted so much of his life to the engineering industry.  

The 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter is pleased to offer scholarship opportunities for students who are pursuing an education in a field that supports the data center industry.  

How to Apply 

The following is the process for collecting all scholarship materials: 

• All requested documents must be submitted with this application. 
• You will be automatically disqualified if all of the application components are not included.
• The application must be submitted no later than Friday, May 25th, 2025.

Contact for Questions

If you have a question, please send an e-mail to lilrivera624@gmail.com and cc: rcourson@pagethink.com no later than Friday, May 18, 2025.

All questions should include your full name, email address and phone number.  Please allow a 72-hour turnaround time for responses. 

Requirements for Submission
Applicants MUST use this application platform to ensure that you are fulfilling the mandatory requirements needed to maximize the potential of becoming a 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter Award recipient.

PLEASE NOTE:  All communications between 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter and the applicant will be directly with the candidate only.

Please provide:

• Information requested on the form below.
• Please provide a copy of your UNOFFICIAL transcript and FINAL report card (OFFICIAL transcript will be required after award).
• Acceptance Letter from your University (necessary for high school awards or transfer students seeking scholarships).
• Resume (work experience, leadership, activities, etc.)
• Two essays - (please include your name on the essay files)
• 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter Member Sponsor documentation.

Student must meet the above requirements to be eligible.

Value of Each Award:  We will award several scholarships this year. From $5,000 to $10,000 awards (Quality of application drives the amount awarded) 

Use of Award: The scholarship may be used only for school-related tuition, room and board expenses for the academic year of 2025-2026.  Funds will only be distributed directly to the institution the award recipient is attending.

• Institution Bill from the Financial Aid/Cashier’s Office at the institution (should break down expenses to attend) (Award Winners only – this will be required prior to disbursements of funds)

 Eligibility Criteria

• Any Spring 2025 graduating high school senior through graduate school student.
• Student must be enrolled in a 4 or 5 year accredited college or university and interested in a career in the data center industry. (Such as but not limited to; Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Cyber Security, Computer Science engineering, Civil Land Development, Construction Management or related field.)
• Student must be registered as a full-time student in the Fall of 2025 to apply for this scholarship.
• Student must be sponsored by a 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter member in good standing. 

NOTE:  The 7x24 Exchange Washington DC Chapter reserves the right to disqualify any application at its sole discretion.  All decisions by the Scholarship Committee and/or the Board of Directors regarding the award of scholarships are final.

What to expect: 

• Applications are due no later than May 25, 2025.
• The scholarship selection committee will review all applications and select finalist for interviews by June 16th, 2025.
• Application finalists will be invited to participate in virtual interviews with the scholarship committee. Interviews will be conducted on between June 16th to June 23rd.
• The selection committee will make the final award selections by June 30th, 2025. An announcement will be made via a press release and to all 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter Members.
• Scholarship recipients will be invited to participate in a 7x24 Exchange DC Chapter event in July (Date TBD).