Scholarships
The American Welding Society Foundation awards over $2 million annually for education and training in welding and related fields!
Students in the Tidewater Section may be eligible for the following scholarships:
National, District, and Section Scholarships – Deadline March 1st
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
AWS Tidewater Section Scholarship – Deadline extended to May 1st
The AWS Tidewater Virginia Section has provided this scholarship to encourage students to pursue a college degree in Welding Engineering, Materials Joining Engineering, Welding Engineering Technology and Materials Joining Engineering Technology. The Section is comprised of Welding Professionals engaged in Shipbuilding, Heavy and Light Fabrication, Research and Design, Education, Equipment Solutions, Sales and Integration. The Section promotes training opportunities starting with the Boy Scouts, followed by high school level programs and then workforce development courses. Our desire is to see applicants achieve higher education and then apply this to welding related fields in the Tidewater Area or the greater areas of Virginia.
Purpose
This scholarship is provided to encourage students to further their education beyond High School in the fields of Welding Engineering, Materials Joining Engineering, Welding Engineering Technology and Materials Joining Engineering Technology.
Eligibility
The AWS Tidewater Virginia Section Scholarship will be awarded to those students who meet the following criteria/eligibility requirements.
- Applicant must hold a high school diploma.
- Applicant must have a 2.4 overall grade point average in high school and for those who have already completed some college courses, the GPA should be at least a 2.1 overall and at least 2.3 in their declared major.
- Applicants should be enrolled in a full time program. However, part time students are encouraged to apply if they are also working a job or have other circumstances which prevent them from enrolling in a full time curriculum.
- Applicant must be attending, at a minimum, a two-year course of study that will result in at least an associate’s degree.
- Applicant must have a financial need. (Proof is required to qualify.)
- Applicant must submit all required application information.
- Applicants must be a citizen of the United States.
Priority will be given in the following order:
a. Applicants who reside in the Boundaries of the AWS Tidewater Virginia Section. (See AWS Website for map showing the Section boundaries.)
b. Applicants from the State of Virginia.
c. Applicants attending LeTourneau University and majoring in Welding and Materials Joining Engineering or Welding and Materials Joining Engineering Technology. - Applicants may reapply; however, persons who have received this award may reapply and may be granted the award for a maximum of 3 years. To receive this Award again, the committee will evaluate performance and progress. (include a letter from your advisor)
- Additional attributes which will be favorably reviewed are:
a. Applicant has a documented work history that includes hands-on welding experience verified by an employer.
b. Applicant has successfully completed a high school welding curriculum.
c. Applicant is from an underrepresented group in the welding industry.
d. Applicant is pursuing a degree from an ABET accredited program.
Applicant must submit the following information:
- Two letters of recommendation: These letters should document your leadership attributes, ability to set and reach goals, personal drive/ambition and highlight those listed in paragraph 3 below.
- Original Official Transcript(s): High school students entering their first year of a welding program must provide an original official high school transcript. College students must provide an official transcript.
The Tidewater Section Scholarship is funded in large part by the members of the AWS Tidewater Section and BAE Systems.
District 4 Named Scholarship – Deadline March 1st
Arc 3 Gases Scholarship
Arc3 Gases is a multi-generation, family-owned and operated gas and welding supply company with 51 locations in Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia. Arc 3 serves many industries ranging from fabrication and manufacturing research, health care and food and beverage.
The Arc3 Gases Scholarship is for a student in a welding program in AWS District 4, preferably from Virginia or North Carolina.
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.