Material Handling Education Foundation Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc.

Overview

The Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc. (MHEFI) is an independent charitable organization that provides financial support to engage and attract students to careers in material handling, logistics, and supply chain. Scholarships are one-year awards; one application gives students consideration for all Foundation scholarships, though each recipient may receive only one award per year. For the 2026/2027 academic term there are two separate application tracks: one for rising freshmen and one for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Applicants must select the appropriate track when applying.

Description: MHEFI supports student pathways into material handling and supply chain professions by awarding competitive scholarships to qualified undergraduate students enrolled full-time at accredited U.S. institutions.

• Single application covers all Foundation scholarships.
• One award permitted per recipient each year.
• Separate application tracks for rising freshmen and continuing undergraduates.

Award Details

Scholarship awards range from $1,500 to $6,000 and multiple scholarships are available each year. Awards are one-year in duration; prior recipients may reapply if they continue to meet eligibility requirements. Scholarship funds are intended to support academic study and related educational costs during the award year. Awards cannot be applied to study-abroad semesters or programs.

Award Value: Range of $1,500–$6,000 per award, multiple awards granted, and funds restricted to the academic year for which they are awarded.

• Multiple scholarships available each cycle.
• Recipients may reapply in subsequent years if eligible.
• Funds not permitted for study-abroad semesters.

Eligibility

Applicants for the 2026/2027 academic term must be full-time undergraduate students pursuing a material handling, logistics, or supply chain–related career at a qualifying college or university. Eligible students must be classified as freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors for the Fall 2026 term and must attend a non-profit, U.S.-based institution accredited by the relevant higher-education authority. Applicants must maintain at least a "B" grade point average in their major and remain enrolled for the full academic year (Fall 2026 and Spring 2027) except in cases of illness, emergency, or military service.

Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate status, appropriate class standing for Fall 2026, attendance at an accredited non-profit U.S. institution, minimum "B" GPA in major, and continuous enrollment for the academic year.

• Full-time undergraduates only (freshman–senior for Fall 2026).
• Must attend an accredited, non-profit U.S. college or university.
• Minimum "B" GPA required and continuous enrollment expected.

Target Programs

MHEFI encourages applicants from undergraduate programs that emphasize material handling, logistics, or supply chain management. The Foundation accepts students from a range of engineering, technology, computer science, and business programs when the curriculum focuses on relevant industry applications and skills. Applicants should ensure their program aligns with the Foundation’s target areas before applying.

Target Programs: Students enrolled in programs with a material handling, logistics, or supply chain focus are encouraged to apply; the list below indicates common qualifying majors.

• Industrial Engineering
• Industrial Distribution
• Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
• Structural Engineering (cold-formed steel design focus)
• Engineering Technology
• Computer Science related to material handling & supply chain
• Business & Management related to material handling or supply chain
• Imaging and camera-based vision systems (bar codes/RFID/LIDAR/RADAR)

• Programs must have a clear focus on material handling or supply chain topics.
• Interdisciplinary majors may qualify if industry relevance is demonstrated.

How to Apply

The application process requires a recommendation, completion of short-answer questions, documentation of extracurriculars and experience, submission of supporting materials, and an official transcript sent directly from the institution. Applicants must first obtain a recommendation from a professor, faculty member, or employer and request it via the Foundation’s online application portal. Supporting documentation can include a resume, project summaries, research papers, white papers, case studies, or a video demonstrating commitment to material handling and supply chain topics. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the school and will not be accepted if submitted by the student.

Application Steps: Create an account and request a recommendation at https://MHEFI.smapply.org; complete short-answer items; upload resume and supporting documents; arrange official transcript delivery directly from your school.

• Recommendation must be submitted by a professor, faculty member, or employer.
• Upload resume and industry-related supporting materials to demonstrate engagement.
• Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to [email protected] or mailed to Mary Alyson Ammons, MHEFI, 8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201, Charlotte, NC 28217.
• Incoming freshmen should request a high-school transcript from their former school.

Application Timeline

The scholarship application for the 2026/2027 academic term opens on October 1, 2025. Applicants should request recommendations and prepare supporting documents well in advance of the opening date to ensure timely submission. Scholarship recipients for the 2026/2027 academic term will be announced by April 30, 2026. Plan for official transcripts to be sent directly by the issuing institution to meet deadlines.

Application Timeline: Application opens October 1, 2025, and awards will be announced by April 30, 2026; adhere to institutional transcript delivery timelines.

• Application opens: October 1, 2025.
• Award notifications by April 30, 2026.
• Prepare recommendations and supporting documents early to meet deadlines.

History of the Award

MHEFI has a long-standing record of supporting students and educators in the material handling and supply chain industry. Since 1976, the Foundation’s programs have supported over 1,500 individuals pursuing education and careers in these fields. The scholarships are intended to strengthen industry talent pipelines by reducing financial barriers and encouraging academic and professional development. The Foundation’s work connects students with educational pathways and fulfilling career opportunities in the sector.

History of the Award: Established in 1976, MHEFI has awarded scholarships and educational support to more than 1,500 students and educators to-date.

• Founded in 1976 to support material handling and supply chain education.
• Over 1,500 students and educators supported since inception.
• Focus on building industry-relevant educational pathways and careers.