Skip to content
SME Education Foundation Scholarships Application Tips

Scholarship Application Tips

The scholarship application opens annually on November 1.
Register Now

The SME Education Foundation offers 60+ scholarships and awards nearly $1 million each year. By submitting one application, you will be considered for every scholarship for which you are eligible. Awards range from $2,500 – $20,000.

The Foundation provides merit and need-based scholarships, issues renewing and one-time awards, and seeks applications from all eligible students, including but not limited to young women and underrepresented communities.

Scholarship applications are accepted annually from November 1 – February 1. Applying for an SME Education Foundation scholarship is straightforward and easy.

Below are details on application requirements and information on how to register an account. 

Register and Create Your Scholarship Account

To apply for our scholarship program, you must first create an account. Click here to register.

By registering for an account, you’ll be able to apply for a scholarship as soon as the application process opens on November 1. Your registration will also prompt automatic reminder emails that notify you when you can apply between November 1 and February 1 each year.

Be prepared. Register an account today to make sure you don’t miss out. 

Basic Criteria for Scholarship Consideration

  • Graduating high school senior or current college student (associates or bachelor’s)
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree in manufacturing, engineering, or related discipline.
    • Click here for a list of qualifying majors.
  • Attending accredited college or university in the United States or Canada
  • Permanent resident or citizen of the United States, Canada, or possess a student visa
  • Full-time or part-time student
As part of the application process, students must also submit the following documents:
/
Student Statement

Your student statement should explain your educational and career objectives, your motivation for pursuing a career in manufacturing or engineering and describe the impact that an SME Education Foundation scholarship would have on your future aspirations.

Keep in mind that reviewers are looking for a well-rounded student who displays a passion or interest in the manufacturing industry.
/
Resume

Your resume should be a summary of your education, work experience, extracurricular activities and other accomplishments. An effective resume includes the most important highlights of your background and should be no longer than one page. 

For advice on completing a resume, click on the links below:

High School Resume: Tips for Success

High School Resume Examples and Writing Tips

Indeed Career Guide/Resumes and Cover Letters

Undercover Recruiter/10 Resume Writing Tips for College Students

Resume Writing Tips for College Students
/
Transcripts

You will need to submit your transcripts. If you do not have access to your transcripts, contact your high school guidance counselor or college advisor. Make this request as soon as possible, it will take time to process your request.
/
STEM Course List
All applicants need to submit a list of completed STEM courses. High school seniors must provide every STEM course completed in high school. Freshman and sophomore college students must submit all collegiate level STEM courses and relevant high school STEM courses. Junior, senior and graduate students must submit collegiate level STEM courses only.
/
Recommendation Letters

Students must provide two references for letters of recommendation. One reference must be a faculty member. The other reference may be a faculty member, employer, mentor, coach, etc. Recommendation letters from STEM teachers and professors are highly recommended. Letters of recommendation from friends, relatives, and peers, are not permitted.
/
FAFSA Submission Summary

If you are a high school senior and Pell Grant eligible, submit your FAFSA Submission Summary to be considered for need-based scholarships. To learn more about submitting your FAFSA Submission Summary, click here.
“Scholarships are life changing. They shift the momentum and let me focus on my education.”
Gideon Ndeh, Scholarship Recipient
Need Application Tips?

Still Need Help?

Do you still have questions about our scholarship application? Please fill out the form and someone will be in touch.
Fill out the form
Scholarships

It's Never too Early to Register to Apply

The SME Education Foundation scholarship application opens on November 1, but if you register now you'll be notified when the application opens. Please click below to register.
Register Now