AWS Welder Training Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by American Welding Society
Description
The AWS Welder Training Scholarship supports students pursuing short-term welder training in certificate programs under two years in length. It is intended for training delivered by trade schools, community colleges, or other qualified welding training facilities. The award is not available for associate or bachelor’s degree programs. Multiple scholarships are awarded annually to help cover training costs and related expenses.
Description: A targeted scholarship for certificate-level welder training programs (less than two years) delivered by accredited trade or technical institutions.
- Certificate-level training only; not applicable to degree programs
- Available to students attending trade schools, community colleges, or equivalent facilities
- Multiple awards distributed each year to support training costs
Eligibility
Applicants must reside within the boundaries of an AWS District and plan to attend a qualifying welder training program in the upcoming year. The scholarship is open to students preparing to begin training through an eligible trade school, community college, or similar facility. Certain AWS-affiliated individuals and their families are ineligible to receive awards. Applicants should confirm district residency before applying.
Eligibility: Residency within an AWS District and intent to enroll in a qualifying welder training certificate program are required; AWS section officers, selection committee members, and their families are excluded.
- Residency within an AWS District is required
- Program must be a certificate welder training program under two years
- Section officers, selection committee members, and their families are ineligible
- Applicants should be planning to attend training in the next year
Selection Process
Applications are accepted on a seasonal basis and are reviewed by District selection committees. Submissions may be accepted from November through December and awards are made on a rolling basis until the District’s designated funds are exhausted. Applications received before November 30 are eligible for any remaining funds in that calendar year. Applicants should submit materials early to maximize consideration.
Application Timeline: Submission window typically falls in November–December with rolling awards until funds are depleted; early submissions may be considered for remaining funds that year.
- Submission window: November–December (subject to District schedule)
- Selection on a rolling basis until allocated funds are exhausted
- Apply early; applications before November 30 may access remaining annual funds
Awards
District scholarships provide financial support for welding training with a minimum award amount of $1,000. Awards are paid directly to the educational institution rather than to individual recipients. Scholarship funds may be applied to tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for the course of instruction. Recipients typically have one year from the award date to redeem the scholarship.
Award Value: District scholarships are a minimum of $1,000; awards are sent directly to the educational institution and must be used for approved training-related expenses.
- Minimum award: $1,000 per district scholarship
- Funds are paid directly to the institution, not to the recipient
- Eligible uses: tuition, fees, books, supplies, and required equipment
- Scholarships are redeemable for one year from the award date