Scholarship Value $1,000
Number of Scholarships 800
Overview
The AWS Welder Training Scholarship supports students pursuing short-term welder training programs (certificate programs under two years) at trade schools, community colleges, or other qualified training facilities. The award is explicitly not available for associate or bachelor’s degree programs. Each year, AWS awards up to 800 scholarships of $1,000 each to eligible applicants. The program is intended to reduce the cost of tuition and required training materials for students preparing for welding careers.
Description: A one-year, certificate-focused scholarship program providing direct support for welder training at approved institutions; not applicable to degree programs.
- Targeted at certificate programs under two years.
- Not valid for associate or bachelor’s degrees.
- Up to 800 awards of $1,000 annually.
Eligibility
Applicants must plan to enroll in welder training at a trade school, community college, or another facility that offers welder instruction. Residency within the boundaries of an AWS District is required; applicants should consult the AWS District and Section Map for district boundaries. The current application cycle accepts students who will be attending school within the next year. Certain individuals are excluded from consideration to avoid conflicts of interest.
Eligibility: Residents of AWS Districts planning certificate-level welder training are eligible; Section officers and Section Selection Committee members and their families are ineligible.
- Must reside within an AWS District (see AWS District and Section Map here).
- Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an eligible welder training program.
- Section officers and Section Selection Committee members, and their families, are excluded.
Awards and Value
District scholarships are issued at a minimum value of $1,000 and are intended to defray the cost of education-related expenses required for the welding program. Scholarship funds are made payable directly to the educational institution and cannot be disbursed to the recipient. Eligible uses include tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for the course of instruction. Recipients have one year from the award date to redeem the scholarship.
Award Value: Minimum award of $1,000, paid directly to the training institution and usable for program-related costs; redeemable within one year of award.
- Minimum award amount: $1,000 per scholarship.
- Funds are payable to the educational institution, not the recipient.
- Permitted uses: tuition, fees, books, supplies, and required equipment.
- Scholarships must be redeemed within one year of award.
Application and Selection
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from December through November and are reviewed until each district’s allocated funds for the year are exhausted. Submissions received before the November deadline remain eligible for any remaining funds in that calendar year. Award decisions are made by AWS award subcommittees or by designated standing committees, and some awards are restricted from public nomination due to their selection process. Applicants must complete a profile and provide required documentation and references to finalize their application.
Application Timeline: Rolling submission window from December to November; applicants should apply early to maximize availability of district funds.
Application Process: Register a profile with a stable email, create an academic profile including a personal statement and career objectives, identify and apply for eligible scholarships, and submit references and required documents to complete the application.
- Application window: December–November; awards made on a rolling basis.
- Apply early—funds are allocated until each district’s yearly funds are exhausted.
- Selection conducted by AWS subcommittees or designated standing committees.
- Complete four steps: register, create academic profile, apply for eligible scholarships, and submit references/documents.