ASM Undergraduate Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by ASM International

Overview

The ASM Materials Education Foundation has supported materials education since 1953, awarding more than $2.7 million in scholarships to date. The foundation currently provides up to 20 undergraduate scholarships each year. Most awards include a certificate of recognition and a stipend to attend the annual awards ceremony. Scholarships recognize academic achievement, promote careers in metallurgy and materials science, and are administered through ASM’s education programs.

Description: A program of named and general scholarships supporting students pursuing materials-related degrees. Awards vary in amount and eligibility criteria and may be merit- or need-based.

History of the Award: Scholarship activity began in 1953 and has expanded through donor-established funds and corporate support, reflecting a long-term commitment to materials education.

• Established program with multi-decade funding history.
• Up to 20 undergraduate scholarships awarded annually.
• Awards include certificates and ceremony stipends.

Undergraduate Scholarships

The program includes both named and general scholarships with varying award sizes and eligibility conditions. Awards range from tuition support to fixed cash stipends, and some are designated for specific states or donor criteria. Several scholarships were established by individual donors or organizations to honor leaders in the field. The ASM Outstanding Scholar awards are merit-based and open to international students.

Award Value:

• George A. Roberts Scholarships: Up to seven awards, $6,000 each.
• Lucille & Charles A. Wert Scholarship: One award, one year full tuition up to $10,000.
• William Park Woodside Founder’s Scholarship: One award, one year full tuition up to $10,000.
• Acta Materialia Scholarships: Two awards, $5,000 each.
• David J. Chellman Scholarship: One award, $2,500 (awarded on merit and financial need).
• ASM Outstanding Scholar Awards: Three awards, $2,000 each (merit-based; open internationally).
• Edward J. Dulis Scholarship: One award, $1,500.
• John M. Haniak Scholarship: One award, $1,500 (requires Pennsylvania residency or attendance at a Pennsylvania university).

History of the Awards: Many scholarships note founding donors and establishment years (examples: George A. Roberts established 1995; Lucille & Charles A. Wert established 2006; William Park Woodside established 1996; Acta Materialia established 2017; David J. Chellman established 2014; Dulis and Haniak established 2003).

• Multiple named scholarships with specific donor histories.
• Award amounts range from $1,500 to tuition support up to $10,000.
• Some awards are merit-only; others consider financial need.

Eligibility

Applicants must satisfy all general eligibility requirements to be considered for undergraduate scholarships. Eligibility focuses on membership, academic preparation, declared major, and institutional accreditation. Related majors may be considered when applicants demonstrate a clear emphasis in materials science. Specific scholarships may impose additional restrictions, such as residency or university location requirements.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a member of ASM International or a Material Advantage student member.
• Must have an intended or declared major in metallurgy or materials science and engineering; related majors may be considered with a demonstrated materials emphasis.
• Must have completed at least one year of college.
• Applicant’s university must have an accredited science and engineering program leading to a bachelor’s degree.

• Membership and academic focus are required.
• Related disciplines can qualify with a documented materials emphasis.
• Institutional accreditation is mandatory.

Application Process

Applications are submitted online, and all supporting materials must be provided by the February deadline to be considered. Supporting documents should be sent to [email protected]. Complete and timely submission of the application package is required for committee review.

How to Apply: Complete the online application and submit supporting materials to the provided contact email. Required documents include a transcript, resume, photograph, and two letters of recommendation (at least one from a professor or a supervisor from a co-op/internship or work-study).

Application Timeline: Application materials must be received by the February deadline; finalists and award winners will be notified by email by 31 May.

• Online application plus supporting materials required.
• Submit documents to [email protected] by February.
• Award notifications sent by 31 May.

Selection & Decisions

The Undergraduate Scholarship Program is administered by the ASM Action in Education Committee, which reviews applications and grants awards. Decisions are based on information provided in the application package, including transcripts, statements, and recommendations. The selection process evaluates academic performance, demonstrated interest in the field, and personal qualities that predict success in materials careers.

Decision Criteria:

• Academic Achievement: Grades, coursework, and interdisciplinary skills.
• Interest in the Field: Knowledge of metallurgy/materials engineering and relevant experience.
• Personal Qualities: Motivation, maturity, social values, and career goals.

Financial Considerations: Except for the ASM Outstanding Scholar Awards (which are merit-based and open internationally), scholarships awarded to students studying in North America generally require demonstration of financial need in addition to academic merit.

• Committee-based selection using multiple evidence sources.
• Merit and need considered depending on the specific award.
• Outstanding Scholar awards do not require financial need and accept international applicants.

Additional Information

Most awards are one-year grants; students may reapply but may not receive more than two consecutive awards. Institutions may submit any number of applicants, and applicants will be considered for all awards for which they qualify. Applicants are encouraged to submit a complete application package together, and institutions are asked not to reduce other financial support for students who receive ASM scholarships.

Rules and Conditions:

• Each award covers one academic year; recipients must reapply for subsequent years.
• No applicant may receive more than two consecutive scholarship awards.
• Any number of students from an institution may apply.
• Colleges and universities are urged not to reduce other student support because of an ASM award.
• Applicants will be considered for all awards for which they qualify; submit all materials together by the deadline.

• Awards are typically annual and renewable only by reapplication.
• Institutional cooperation is requested to preserve other student funding.
• Complete, timely submissions maximize consideration.