Scholarships
The American Welding Society Foundation awards over $2 million annually for education and training in welding and related fields!
Students in the York-Lancaster Section may be eligible for the following scholarships:
National, District, and Section Scholarships – Deadline March 1st for the following fall term
National Scholarships
For students pursuing a specific degree at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university. Scholarships range from $3,000 – $5,000+.
District Scholarships
A minimum of $15,000 is available in each of AWS’s 22 Districts for students pursuing a degree or certificate in a welding or welding-related program. Scholarships typically range from $1,000 to $2,500+.
Section and District Named Scholarships
York Central-PA Section Scholarship
The York Central-PA Section Scholarship was created to provide financial assistance to a District 3 student who wishes to further their education/skills in the welding industry. The scholarship recipient will either have legal residence or attend an educational institution located in AWS District 3.
- Financial need is not requested however priority will be given to individuals showing financial need. FAFSA statement required.
- AWS membership is not required however priority will be given to AWS members. The recipient will receive a one year student membership.
- Priority will be given to a student who resides in the York Section boundaries.
- Priority will be given to a student who attends school in District 3.
- Priority will be given to applicants who are pursuing a degree in welding technology or welding engineering.
- The following are required: two personal or professional references, School transcript, list of honors, awards and/or certificates, work experience.
The York Central-PA Section Scholarship is funded in large part by the members of the AWS York Central-PA Section and BAE Systems.
Claudia Bottenfield Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of Claudia Bottenfield for her 30 years of dedicated service to the American Welding Society as member, District 3 Director, and York/Lancaster section officer. This scholarship will be awarded to applicants residing within the boundaries of the York/Lancaster Section pursuing a career in welding.
The Claudia Bottenfield Memorial Scholarship is for students seeking welder training in a program up to 2 years, and cannot be used for credits toward a four-year program.
- Applicants must reside within the boundaries of the York/Lancaster Section of the AWS
- Applicants must be planning to attend a trade school, community college, or other accredited facility providing welder training.
- AWS membership is not required but priority will be given to AWS members.
- Priority will be given to a students who attend classes in District 3 of the AWS.
- Awards will not be made to section officers or their families.
- Awards will not be made to section selection committee members, or their families.
Lancaster Scholarship
The Lancaster scholarship was established by the Lancaster Section.
Shirley Bollinger – District 3 Scholarship
Shirley Bollinger received a Bachelors Degree from York College in 1986 with a dual major in Marketing & Business Administration. It took Shirley 8 years of night school to fulfill her dream of a college degree. While pursuing her education at night, she also maintained a full-time job, and was the mother of 2 very active children.
Shirley was employed full time from 1977 to 2000 with ESAB Welding & Cutting Products in Hanover, PA. Shirley started as a customer representative for ESAB and ultimately reached the goal of Marketing & Product Control Manager. She was a very active member of the York-Central Section in York, PA where she served in many different capacities, eventually as Chairman from 1988-1989. Shirley served on the AWS Board as a District 3 Director from 1990 to 1997. Eventually Shirley reached her goal as the first woman President of the American Welding Society from 1998 to 1999. Shirley was an advocate for Education in all senses of the word, which included getting to know students in District 3 and to meet students all over the world during her travels as AWS President. With this scholarship, District 3 hopes to encourage and help students to further their education in welding and to keep Shirley’s legacy of secondary education alive.
District 3 Named Scholarship
Welder Training Scholarship
For students seeking welder training in a certificate program less than two years in length through a trade school, community college, or other facility providing welder training. Each District has a minimum of 25 – $1,000 scholarships to award.
Applications are accepted January-November and selections are made on a rolling basis until the District awards the designated funds for the year.