American Welding Society National Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by American Welding Society

Overview
The AWS Foundation’s National Scholarships are the program’s highest-profile, highest-value awards. There are more than 130 donor-funded scholarships available—together exceeding $700,000—in support of students working toward an associate or bachelor’s degree in welding or a closely related field. Individual awards typically start at $2,500 and may reach $10,000 or more. All applicants must provide two references and an official transcript.

Who is eligible
- Two letters of recommendation are required for National Scholarships.
- Applicants must arrange for an official transcript to be sent directly from their school or from an authorized third‑party transcript service (email or postal delivery).
- Certain scholarships are need-based. To demonstrate financial need for those awards, the student’s Cost of Attendance (COA) must exceed the Student Aid Index (SAI) shown on their FAFSA Submission Summary. If you seek a need-based award, you must upload both the FAFSA Submission Summary and documentation of your COA.
- Some scholarships either require or give preference to applicants who are members of AWS.

Important deadline
- The application deadline for all National Scholarships is March 1st. Awards granted from this cycle are intended for use in the upcoming fall term.

Application components
The online application collects multiple elements. Required items include:
- Personal statement essays — Respond to questions about your background, welding and/or work experience, and your career goals and objectives.
- Cost of Attendance — Upload a summary of your school-related costs (for example: tuition, fees, required books, and supplies).
- Official Transcript — Submit an official transcript from the most recent school you attended (high school, trade school, college, or university); it must be sent directly from the institution or an approved transcript provider.
- Letters of Recommendation — Request two references from people who can speak about your character and accomplishments (teachers, work supervisors, mentors, coaches, youth leaders, etc.). The system will send automated emails to your recommenders with instructions for submitting their letters through the online portal.
- FAFSA Submission Summary (for need consideration) — If you completed the FAFSA and your COA exceeds your SAI, upload the FAFSA Submission Summary to be considered for need‑based National Scholarships.
- Headshot photo — Provide a headshot. If you receive a scholarship, this image may be used for promotional purposes.

Selection process
Recipients are selected by the AWS Foundation Education Scholarship Committee.

Award disbursement and use
- Each National Scholarship is worth at least $2,500 per year.
- Scholarship funds are not paid directly to recipients. Awards are issued payable to the educational institution and disbursed to the school to cover qualified costs.
- AWS scholarship funds may be applied toward tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for the course of instruction.
- Scholarships must be redeemed within one year of the award date.