Welding Workforce Grant

What Assistance is Available?

Starting in 2025 – Grants up to $50,000 are available for secondary and post-secondary education/training institutions to enhance and improve welding programs resulting in an increase in the number of welding graduates and/or the number of graduates successfully placed in welding or welding-related jobs. 

Funds may be used for:

• Welding or metalworking equipment
• NDT or destructive testing equipment
• Fume extraction
• Computer-based systems for welding training
• Lab materials or supplies (Limited to 20% of total budget)
• Becoming an AWS Accredited Testing Facility 

Funds cannot be used for:

• Any program or area not related to welding or inspection education/training
• Facility construction or renovations, such as electrical work, building/room construction, and fencing
• Capital items, such as vehicles, furniture, office equipment, forklifts, etc.
• Travel expenses
• Faculty or administrator salaries or benefits
• Student tuition or scholarships
• Textbooks or teaching materials
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Indirect costs

Who Can Apply?

• Secondary schools (High School, Career Tech Center, Etc.) 
• Post-secondary trade/technical programs or schools
• Community colleges

AWS Educational Institution Membership is required to apply. For-profit or private schools are not eligible for the Welding Workforce Grant.

Funding Preferences

Preference will be given to:

• Project proposals that result in a significant increase in the number of welding graduates and number of graduates successfully placed in welding or welding-related jobs. 
• Schools in geographic areas of high need for entry-level welders.
• Schools with instructors and students involved with the American Welding Society and AWS Sections.

Welding Workforce Grant Application

The application consists of the following components:

• Grant proposal and expected outcomes
• AWS involement
• Details of any recent internal or external investments in the program
• Data on number of welding students, graduates, and placement in welding jobs
• One-page itemized budget (Sample budget). Applications with supporting budgetary quotes from distributors, suppliers, or contractors will be given preference
• Letter of Commitment from Education/Training Institution
• Instructor Statement
• Photos of existing lab
• Letters of Support from advisory board members, local employers, community groups, local AWS section, etc. Letters from local businesses expressing an immediate need to hire graduates are preferred.

Apply Online

Selection Process

The applications will be reviewed by the AWS Foundation Grants Committee. The Grants Committee is comprised of members from the AWS Foundation Board of Trustees and the AWS Board of Directors.

 Applicants will be notified of the status of their application in late May or early June.

Requirements if Selected for an AWS Foundation Grant

Measures of Success

AWS Foundation will audit the success of the project throughout the term of funding, at intervals determined by AWS Foundation. A summary of progress-to-date with specific, detailed information will be required. Projects will be measured against the original application submitted. A final report including project summary, numbers of individuals educated/trained, numbers of graduates, numbers successfully employed in a welding job, results from the project, and a final, itemized budget, will be required.

Release of Funds

A contract must be signed by both AWS Foundation and the grantee. Funds will be distributed only to the education/training institution. The release of funds will occur following submission of itemized invoices or quotes that meet the intent of the approved project. 

Reapplication Eligibility

A grant recipient may not apply again for three years following selection.

For questions, or more information, please contact us at foundation@aws.org.