American Welding Society - District Scholarships
 AWS FOUNDATION:DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIPS
District Scholarship Program

What kind of financial aid is available through the AWS District Scholarship Program?
AWS offers scholarship funds that, once awarded, are payable directly to the school to which you have been accepted. It will cover the cost of tuition, books, supplies and related institutional costs.

How do I apply for financial assistance?
To participate in the District Scholarship Program, download and complete the online application, supply the requested documents and information, and pack them in an envelope. Mail the package to the AWS Foundation 550 NW Lejeune Road, Miami, Florida 33126, Attention Nazdhia Prado-Pulido, Coordinator, Foundation.

DOWNLOAD DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION in Adobe PDF Format.
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the PDF version of the document.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

The AWS Foundation does not discriminate by age, race, color, national origin, disability, creed or gender.

When should I apply?
Actually, you can apply any time. The deadline for receiving applications at the Foundation office, however, is March 1. Scholarships are awarded usually from May to June, with the funds made available for the coming fall term.
  • An approved scholarship is good for the entire fiscal year (June - May 31) That means if you skip the fall semester, you could still receive assistance for the spring term within the year your aid has been awarded.
  • If you do not use the entire scholarship during the fiscal year, the remainder will be returned to the AWS Foundation Scholarship Fund.
  • You must apply for each year you wish to receive aid. For example, if you were awarded a scholarship for this year, you must reapply for aid for the coming year. Awardees are selected by the District Scholarship Committee.
  • Selections are affected by the number of applicants, their respective qualifications and funds available. If you are selected to receive a scholarship during any fiscal year, AWS is not obligated to continue financial assistance for subsequent years.
  • Whether or not you have been selected for a scholarship, you will be notified by mail.
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    What eligibility requirements must I meet?

  • Most importantly, you must be enrolled in a welding-related educational or training program.
  • You must also be a high school graduate or possess a GED equivalent.
  • The school you attend must be in the United States or its territories, except for international scholarships.
  • You must also fill out the scholarship application and provide any documentation requested in the application instructions.
  • You are not required to be a member of the American Welding Society. As a matter of fact, if you are awarded a scholarship, you will receive a yearlong, full membership to the Society. If you are already a member, your membership will be extended for a year.

    • Can I apply for other types of assistance?
    You may apply for any other grants or scholarships as your needs dictate. See the other listings at this web address for other AWS Foundation offerings. You may also contact your student financial aid office at your school for sources outside the Society.

    Which school should I attend?
    Since you are required to pursue a welding or materials joining program to be eligible for this scholarship, it makes sense to select a school that offers strong curricula in that field.

    May I change my field of study without losing financial assistance?
    As the purpose of this scholarship program is to promote welding education, any decision affecting your field of study has a direct bearing on your eligibility. If you change your field of study to something other than welding, you will forfeit any future assistance from the AWS Foundation. If you wish to modify your courses or your field of study and are not sure how it affects your eligibility, contact the AWS Foundation office for guidance.

    Application Instructions
    Most of the information requested on the application form is self-explanatory. Fill out the form completely. The more information you provide, the better the District Scholarship Committee will know how to determine your eligibility.

    In addition to the application form, you must enclose the following:

    • Statement of Unmet Financial Need
      You must attach the Statement of Unmet Need Form, which must be completed by the financial aid office at your school indicating your current student budget, needs analysis, and financial aid awards, including scholarships. 
    • Transcript(s)
      You must submit official scholastic records or grade transcripts showing you attended a high school, trade school, college or university.
    • Personal Statement
      Write down your ambitions, goals, background and other factors that will help the selection committee understand your commitment to pursuing welding education. If you have had prior welding experience, you must indicate how your proposed welding curriculum and chosen school will help you fulfill your educational goals.
    • Biography and Photo
      One of the criteria for receiving financial aid is that you must share your successes with others. Be prepared to submit a photograph of yourself and a brief biography to help in preparing a student success story to promote future scholarship programs.