DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIPS

Overview

Each of AWS's 22 Districts has a pool of $15,000 to award to students residing or attending school within the District boundaries.

Eligibility Requirements

Each individual scholarship has its own criteria. The Scholarship Application System will utilize your Academic Profile to assess your eligibility for all available scholarships.

For District Scholarships, applicants must:

• Be enrolled or plan to enroll in a post-secondary welding educational or training program.
• Reside in and attend school within the boundaries of an AWS District, which includes the Continental United States and portions of Canada and Mexico. View the AWS District and Section Map here.

Some Scholarships require AWS Membership, while other scholarships give priority to AWS Members. To apply for an AWS Student Membership, please visit the Student Membership page.

Submission Deadline

The deadline to apply for District Scholarships is March 1st for funds to be used the fall term.

Application

The Online Scholarship Application includes the following components:

• Personal Statement Questions
  Essay questions include:

   

  • General Background Statement
  • Welding and/or Work Experience
  • Career Objectives and Goals
• Cost of Attendance
  You must upload a summary of your school costs, which may include tuition, fees, books, or supplies required for the course of instruction.
• Transcript
  You must submit official or unofficial transcript from the school you most recently attended, which may be your high school, trade school, college or university.
• Letters of Recommendation (Optional but recommended)
  You may request up to two letters of recommendation from teachers, work supervisors, mentors, coaches, youth group, troop leaders, or other individuals that can attest to your work ethic and past accomplishments. An automated email will be sent, and your recommender will be asked to submit a letter of reference through the online system.
• Headshot Photo
  You must submit a headshot photo.The photo will only be used for promotional purposes if selected for a scholarship.

Important Note Regarding the Use of AI
We understand that artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming increasingly common. While the use of AI to assist in drafting your personal essay statements is not prohibited, please keep in mind that our reviewers are looking for authenticity and originality. We encourage applicants to share real-life experiences, personal anecdotes, and genuine reflections that highlight your unique journey, goals, and character.  Our reviewers will be looking for who you truly are beyond AI-generated content. Authentic stories and personal background will carry more weight in the evaluation process.

Selection

• The District Scholarship Committee determines who receives each District Scholarship.
• All correspondence about District Scholarships will come via email. You will receive an email informing you of the District Scholarship Committee’s decision about whether or not you’ve received a District Scholarship.

Awards

District Scholarships are a minimum of $1,000. No awards will be paid to the recipient. AWS Scholarships can be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for the course of instruction. Scholarship funds will be made payable and sent directly to the educational institution.

Scholarships may be redeemed for one year from the date awarded.

Questions

If you have any questions, please contact foundation@aws.org.