Scholarships
The American Welding Society Foundation awards over $2 million annually for education and training in welding and related fields!
Students in the Mobile 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
Ronald C. & Joyce Pierce – Mobile Section Scholarship
Mr. Ronald C. Pierce an AWS Distinguished Member has served the American Welding Society in many ways. Mr. Ron Pierce is an AWS Distinguished Member, Past District 9 Director from 1990 to 1993, as well as Past Section Chairman (1970-71, 1989-90), Past National AWS President, AWS National Vice-President, Chairman of the AWS Foundation Board of Trustees for many years and currently Chairman Emeritus. He is also Chairman of the Board of WESCO Gas and Welding Supply Company, Inc. in Prichard, AL. This service continues with the very generous gift from Ron and Joyce Pierce establishing this Scholarship.
Paul “Jerry” Betts Memorial Scholarship
Jerry Betts is a long time active member of the Mobile Section and past Chairman (1988-89). Jerry’s extraordinary efforts as a member of the Section Scholarship Committee have helped countless people improve their lives with education and training. Jerry has often said “One of the best things anyone has ever done for me is introduce me to the American Welding Society”. Jerry is gladly working to return the favor by introducing others to AWS, and by helping those in need take advantage of available scholarship funding for welding education.
Stephen F. Carlisle Memorial Scholarship
Stephen F. Carlisle was an active member of AWS and the Mobile Section. He was also an expert welder and tradesman. Steve served on the initial Section Scholarship Committee established in 1982. Steve gave much of his time to help educate and offer opportunities to the youth of Mobile. Steve would always say “There must be a better way”. A tragic accident in 1984 ended his life. This scholarship was founded in 1984 in honor of his memory and service.
William H. Harrison, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
William H. Harrison, Jr. was a Charter Member and Past Chairman of the Mobile Section (1963-64). Mr. Harrison was the operator and part owner of Harrison Brothers Dry Dock and Repair Yard in Mobile. He contributed much time and effort to the welding community in Mobile as well as the AWS Mobile Section. Mr. Harrison understood welding as a core competency of shipbuilding and ship repair. In supporting the American Welding Society he worked to advance welding and its many disciplines. This Scholarship was established in 2012.
Eleanor Ezell Memorial Scholarship
Eleanor Ezell is a devoted member of the AWS Mobile Section and has made many contributions of her time and efforts to help the Section and its members. Ms. Eleanor has served in each Section officer position including the first female to be elected Mobile Section Chairperson (2006-2007). Ms. Eleanor continues to serve as a member of the Section Executive Committee. The AWS Mobile Section owes much of its success to Eleanor Ezell. This scholarship was established in 2014.
Leo D. Veal Memorial Scholarship
Leo D. Veal was a Charter Member and founding Chairman (1958-59) of the Mobile Section. He was also the founder and President of Arc Controls, Inc. in Mobile, AL. Mr. Veal had a vast knowledge of welding which he readily shared with anyone interested in learning. He embodied the mission of AWS which is to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes. This Scholarship was established in 2012.
Mobile WESCO & Miller Electric Scholarship
This Welder Workforce Endowment scholarship is sponsored by Wesco Welding Gas & Supply and the Miller Electric Mfg. Co. Started in 1961 in Prichard, AL, WESCO is one of the largest independent gas and welding distributorships along the Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana, Gulf Coast.
Clay Byron Memorial Scholarship
Clay Byron impacted countless lives through his work with the American Welding Society Foundation. As an AWS Mobile Section officer, he drove the growth of local scholarships for welding students in the Mobile, AL area. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Mobile Section Grant, which provides funding for local welding programs to purchase equipment and supplies. He was a tireless advocate of welding education and a mentor to many young people entering the field.
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.