Specialized Engineering Scholarships and Grants

Last updated: April 23, 2019

If you’re in pursuit of a degree in engineering, then you are among nearly 40 percent of the population working towards a career in science and engineering. Undergraduate enrollment continues to rise in the U.S., with overall numbers at all education levels rising by over one million every year.

It is so important that growth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related fields continues to increase for students of all backgrounds, regardless of gender or race. The application of these fields have the power to revolutionize national and international industries, ultimately transforming the way our world operates.

Some of our world’s most revolutionary thinkers developed their foundation in applied engineering, such as Elon Musk, the CEO and lead designer of SpaceX and Tesla, or the CEO and founder of Google, Larry Page—minds who have influenced the way we live today. If you’re an undergraduate or graduate engineering student looking for ways to fund your college degree, use our guide to learn more about what it takes to become an engineer, and sort through over 80 engineering scholarships based on your specialization.

How to Pay | Application Prep | Engineering Scholarships | All Scholarships

While working towards his Bachelor of Science in computer engineering from the University of Michigan, Larry Page reverse-engineered the ink cartridge and built an inkjet printer made of LEGO® bricks. It wasn’t until his time at Stanford University where he began exploring mathematical properties of the World Wide Web, and where he met computer scientist, Sergey Brin. Together, they co-founded and developed a search engine they would later call “Google.”

“Optimism is important. You have to be a little silly about the goals you are going to set. There is a phrase I learned in college called, ‘having a healthy disregard for the impossible.’ That’s a really good phrase. You should try to do things that most people would not do.”
— Larry Page, CEO of Google

Every success story starts with the drive and commitment to education to get there. Take the next step towards your career in applied engineering by reading our breakdown on how to become a licensed engineer.

How to Qualify to be an Engineer

1

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step towards becoming a licensed engineer is earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering from a school accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

 
2

Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam

The FE exam is designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program. This is the first step towards becoming a professionally licensed engineer (PE).

 
3

Engineering Experience

Once you’ve passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam, you must complete at least four years of engineering experience before you can take your final exam towards an engineering license.

 
4

Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam

Upon passing the PE exam and meeting any other eligibility requirements that may vary by state, an engineer can then become registered in their state to stamp and sign engineering drawings and calculations as a PE.

 
 

Types of Engineers

 

Mechanical: Applies engineering, physics, and materials science principles to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems.

 
 

Civil: Deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings.

 
 

Chemical: Applies physical science and life science together with applied mathematics and economics to produce, transform, transport, and properly use chemicals, materials and energy.

 
 

Electrical: Deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.

 
 

Industrial: Deals with the optimization of complex processes, systems, or organizations.

 
 

Aerospace: The primary field of engineering concerned with the development of aircraft and spacecraft.

 
 

Biomedical: Application of engineering principles and design concepts to medicine and biology for healthcare purposes.

 
 

Environmental: Uses scientific and technological principles to prevent or repair harm to the environment, complying with federal and local regulations in the process.

 
 

Resources for Engineers

Engineering.com

This site has information and connections for the global community of engineers. Find engineering games, videos, jobs, calculators, articles, and more.

NSPE Student Resources

Find free on-demand courses for students, job resources and checklists, exam preparation, and the opportunity to sign-up for NSPE’s student e-newsletter for weekly information and news.

MIT OpenCourseWare

This website gathers publications of all curriculum content from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

GlobalSpec

The Engineering Search Engine: Search over 38 million engineering and technical web pages through this search engine.

Ethics Center

Provides engineering and science students with resources for understanding and addressing ethical considerations.

Science Daily

A daily news site for scientists and engineers. This publication covers development and research in all STEM-related fields.

 
 

How to Pay for College

1

Scholarships

There are hundreds of scholarships for engineering students, which are awarded by local organizations, private companies, societies and more.

 
2

Grants

Grants don’t need to be paid back and are based on your financial circumstances. They are usually funded by the federal government, your state or college.

 
3

Fellowships

While scholarships usually fund tuition, fellowships typically cover graduate study, research projects and abroad experiences without needing to be paid back.

 
4

Student Loans

You can borrow money from the government or a bank, but it needs to be paid back with interest. The federal government offers many loan options—fill out the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for financial aid. If you need help, use our interactive guide to learn how to answer every question.

 
5

Federal Work-Study Program

Provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to pay education expenses.

 
 

If you’re just beginning the process of finding suitable scholarships, make sure you’re prepared for the application process by starting a folder with the assets below.

Scholarship Application Preparation

Not all scholarships are based off of your GPA, but most need to verify your high school education to qualify. Try to get certified copies of your transcript early, so you have plenty of time to meet the deadline.
Although there are scholarship opportunities that aren’t merit-based, it’s valuable to take the SAT or ACT standardized tests in case it’s a scholarship qualification.
Your scholarship essay is what will bring attention to your application out of the pool of applicants. That’s why it’s important to craft a stand out piece that attests to your experience, adheres to the scholarship guidelines and most importantly, highlights your true personality.
Letters of recommendation are a true judgement of your character—something that can’t be revealed through your test scores or transcript. Reach out to former teachers, counselors or bosses, so that they can speak to your qualifications. You may also want to provide them with a resume that outlines your achievements and goals as well.
 

Engineering Scholarships

Instructions: Click through the dropdowns below to sort by your engineering specialty, award amount and if you qualify for need-based aid.

ANS Undergraduate Scholarships

Amount: up to $4,000

Deadline: February 1, 2021

Undergraduate and graduate ANS student members enrolled in nuclear engineering are eligible to apply. Must be enrolled in an accredited university. Open to U.S. and non-U.S. citizens.

AWS Airgas Terry Jarvis Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $2,500

Deadline: February 15, 2021

This scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate student pursuing a four-year bachelor's degree in welding engineering. Must have at least a 2.8 GPA and a citizen of the U.S. to apply. Priority will be given to students with interest in a career in industrial welding.

AWS Arsham Amirikian Engineering Scholarship

Amount: $2,500

Deadline: February 15, 2021

Engineering students pursuing a career in the application of the art of welding in civil and structural engineering and have a 3.0 minimum GPA are encouraged to apply.

Southern Automotive Women's Forum Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Deadline: March 9, 2021

Candidates are those enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate institution in the Southern states of Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Students must be women pursuing a degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) or the automotive field.

Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program

Amount: Varies

Deadline: March 15, 2021

The scholarship awards first-generation high school seniors who are underrepresented, need financial assistance and are passionate about furthering their education as a means to help out their family, community and themselves. The candidate must be graduating a high school, who will pursue a full-time undergraduate degree in the United States at any 4-year university by fall semester and plan to study in listed concentrations such as Transportation Management, STEM, Psychology, Spanish, Architecture Language/Literature, Environmental Design, Pre-Med.

BMW/SAE Engineering Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Deadline: March 15, 2021

This annual scholarship is for students pursuing an engineering or related science degree through an ABET accredited program. Must have a GPA of 3.75 or higher and be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Astronaut Scholarship Foundation

Amount: $10,000

Deadline: March 16, 2021

Students must be nominated by faculty in their engineering program to be considered for this award. Students do not need to be pursuing an astronaut career to be eligible for this award. Check website for participating institutions.

ASDSO Scholarship

Amount: $5,000 - $10000

Deadline: March 31, 2021

The ASDSO Scholarships are awarded annually to undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens enrolled in accredited programs in engineering or fields related to the design, construction, or operation of dams. Students must be enrolled in an accredited civil engineering program, or in a related field as determined by ASDSO. Also, the applicant must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in hydraulics, hydrology or geotechnical disciplines.

Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $2,500

Deadline: April 1, 2021

Candidates must be undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited four year institution and majoring in math, engineering, biological or physical sciences, or science fiction as literature. Candidates may be the residents of any country.

Two Ten Higher Education Scholarship

Amount: $1,000-$10,000

Deadline: April 5, 2021

Students planning on attending, or who are enrolled in an accredited four year institution are welcome to apply. This scholarship is renewable for U.S. citizens who have worked — or have parents who have worked — in the footwear industry fro at least 2 years.

Women Forward in Technology

Amount: $10,000

Deadline: June 17, 2021

The Minority Corporate Counsel Association awards one student this non-renewable scholarship to a student in their first year of law school. Students can register on the scholarship website to learn more about specific eligibility requirements.

 

Sources

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