TAPPI Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by TAPPI
TAPPI Scholarships Support the Next Generation of Industry Leaders
Scholarship Overview
TAPPI offers scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing education related to the pulp, paper, packaging, and allied industries. Application requirements vary by scholarship, and applicants must also complete a general information form. TAPPI encourages students to apply for every scholarship for which they qualify.
- The deadline for Technical Division scholarship applications is February 15 for the following academic year.
- Scholarship requirements vary by division.
- All scholarship recipients must complete a Form W-9.
Technical Division Scholarships
TAPPI Technical Divisions offer scholarships to students pursuing scientific, technical, and engineering education related to their industries. Award amounts and eligibility requirements vary by division. Unless otherwise noted, the Technical Division scholarship deadline is February 15 for the following academic year.
Coating, Printing, and Surface Enhancements Division: Offers a $1,000 scholarship to students majoring in scientific or technical disciplines related to the manufacture or graphic arts use of coated paper and paperboard.
Engineering Division: Offers two scholarships to undergraduate students pursuing an engineering or science degree related to the pulp and paper industry. A $2,500 scholarship may be awarded to a rising junior, and a $3,000 scholarship may be awarded to a rising senior.
Environmental Working Group: Offers the $3,500 Douglas Barton Memorial Scholarship to outstanding candidates focused on environmental control in the pulp, paper, and allied industries.
Fiberglass Mat–Nonwoven Division: The Ron Franklin Memorial Fiberglass Mat Division Scholarship awards $2,500 to a science or engineering student pursuing a career in the fiberglass mat, or wet-laid nonwoven, industry. The scholarship aims to support students interested in the industry and promote successful engineering careers in the field.
Flexible Packaging Division: The Daniel Siegel Memorial Scholarship awards $7,000 in even-numbered years to a TAPPI Student Chapter member enrolled in a packaging or related major. Funded by an endowment from MICA Corporation and the Siegel family, it supports students pursuing careers in packaging and related technologies. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in the technical areas served by the International Flexible Packaging and Extrusion Division.
International Flexible Packaging and Extrusion Division: Offers a $1,000 scholarship in even-numbered years to a student pursuing a packaging degree. Applications are submitted through the TAPPI scholarship portal and are due by February 15 of the year the scholarship is awarded.
Paper and Board Division: Offers one or more scholarships each year, worth at least $1,000 each, to students who intend to advance the science and technology of papermaking.
Process and Product Quality Division: Offers at least one $1,500 John Walkinshaw Memorial Scholarship to science and engineering students planning careers in quality management in the pulp and paper industry.
Process Control Division: Offers one $1,000 scholarship to engineering students interested in developing professional skills in process control fields within the pulp and paper industry.
- Awards support a range of disciplines, including engineering, environmental control, papermaking, and packaging.
- Some scholarships have specific academic-year or TAPPI Student Chapter requirements.
- Check each scholarship’s requirements and deadline before applying.
Corrugated Packaging Scholarships
The Corrugated Packaging Division supports students interested in pursuing careers related to the corrugated industry. Its annual awards include scholarships funded through TAPPI and industry supporters. Additional memorial scholarships recognize students pursuing engineering or maintenance education in the field.
Corrugated Packaging Division Scholarships: The division offers up to five $1,000 scholarships and two $5,000 memorial scholarships each year. Applicants must be full-time students at a two-year or four-year college, university, or technical school and demonstrate an interest in a career related to the corrugated industry.
Terry S. Paulson Memorial Scholarship: This $5,000 scholarship, established by friends of Terry and Schwarz Partners, supports students pursuing further education in maintenance and engineering within the corrugated field. The application deadline is February 15.
Joe Dieffenbacher Engineering Memorial Scholarship: Established by the Corrugated Packaging Council of TAPPI, this $5,000 scholarship supports a student interested in entering the engineering area of the corrugated industry. The application deadline is February 15.
- The division’s awards support students preparing for careers in the corrugated industry.
- The Terry S. Paulson Memorial Scholarship focuses on maintenance and engineering education.
- The Joe Dieffenbacher Engineering Memorial Scholarship focuses on engineering careers.
Additional TAPPI Scholarships
Other TAPPI scholarships support students who have faced barriers to education or are preparing for careers across several related industries. These awards recognize a range of academic paths and career interests. Review the available scholarship information for any additional eligibility or application requirements.
Horizon Scholarship: Supports highly qualified students who have demonstrated perseverance in overcoming personal, social, or economic barriers while pursuing higher education or career goals. The scholarship provides financial assistance, professional development, and industry exposure to students interested in careers in the pulp, paper, tissue, and packaging industries.
William L. Cullison Scholarship: Named in honor of TAPPI’s fifth Executive Director, this scholarship supports students entering their third year of college and pursuing an academic path related to careers in the pulp, paper, corrugated, or converting industries.
- The Horizon Scholarship emphasizes perseverance and supports access to education and industry experience.
- The William L. Cullison Scholarship is intended for students entering their third year of college.
- Both scholarships support pathways into TAPPI-related industries.