AWS Foundation

Our Mission in Action

Founded in 1989, the AWS Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Welding Society.

As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, we rely on the generosity of our partners who understand the value of welding and its role in building a better, stronger economy. For example, with your support, the AWS Foundation awards roughly $2 million in scholarships and grants to future leaders.

Learn more about us and our programs below.

AWS Impact Report

Choosing a career path—or even making the choice to go back to school—can be daunting. It doesn’t have to be. AWS empowers welders and future leaders by giving them the time, space, and financial resources to hone their skills, discover new passions, and make an impact on those around them.

READ THE LATEST REPORT

Previous Impact Reports

Educational Initiatives

Educational Initiatives

Scholarships

We reward passion through national, district, and welder training scholarships. Our scholarships allow students to worry less about money and spend more time honing their skills, getting industry-recognized certifications, and finding in-demand jobs.

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Grants

Secondary and post-secondary institutions can receive up to $25,000 in grants. Whether you need new metalworking equipment, computers, or lab materials, our goal is to help you. Together, we can enhance and improve the welding experience.

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Graduate Research Fellowships

We want to broaden the scope of who can participate in our industry, and we do so by awarding outstanding students financial support during graduate study.

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Workforce Development Initiatives

Welding Workforce Data

336,000 new welding professionals are needed by 2026. And roughly 84,000 welding jobs will be filled every year until 2025. From boilermakers and sheet metal workers to structural metal fabricators and fitters, welders are in high demand.

View the Data

Careers in Welding

Welding shapes our world. But the world of welding isn’t one size fits all. Find the right fit for you: Go to Career Paths in Welding to take a quiz to explore careers that most closely match your interests, research different salaries, and search job listings in your area.

Career Path

Mobile Exhibit

The hands-on Careers in Welding Mobile Exhibit can spark interest in the welding industry for kids and kids at heart. Step inside a VR experience to weld—without the sparks or safety gear. Then learn about career opportunities and scholarship information.

See the Exhibit

Welding Apprenticeship

There are benefits to building and training your workforce. From fostering diversity and building an inclusive community to recruiting and developing a skilled workforce, discover the advantages and opportunities of starting or joining a Registered Apprenticeship Program.

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Support Our Mission

Support Our Mission

Your Donation Matters

Tuition and fees—including books and supplies—can be expensive. That shouldn’t be a reason people avoid rewarding opportunities to learn, grow, and build a lifelong career. The AWS Foundation is committed to making sure students get the support they need.

Donate Today

Other Initiatives

ARCademy

Interested in taking the next steps in your welding career? ARCademy is your go-to source. Learn common workshop tools, what different welding symbols mean, and what to avoid when welding.

Metal Shop Masters

Now available to binge on Netflix: Watch America’s top metal artists torch, cut, and weld epic creations. Only one can forge a path to victory to become the next Metal Shop Master.

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Jobs in Welding

Jobs in Welding can help you find jobs near you, create a better and more effective resume, and even improve your resume with a free review.

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Metal America

"Metal America” is New YouTube Series from the American Welding Society. From roller coaster fabrication to automated welding robots, each episode follows Stephanie Hoffman as she visits fabricators across the country.

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