Record number of 1,697 applications reviewed
(SOUTHFIELD, Mich., May 5, 2025) – The SME Education Foundation will award nearly 140 scholarships in 2025 to students pursuing a post-secondary education in technical fields that support manufacturing. Select recipients were recognized at the SME International Awards Gala hosted by the organization on May 4.
This year, the Foundation awarded nearly $850k to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students, further advancing its mission to inspire, prepare, and support the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. A record-breaking 1,697 applications were received, marking the highest number of applications ever evaluated by the program. Since 2005, the Foundation has awarded over $19 million to over 5,000 deserving students.
The SME Education Foundation Scholarship recipients are selected through a rigorous review process and evaluated by a team of over 300 volunteer academic and industry professionals.
Program participation among women and students of color increased in with a record number of applications received from underrepresented groups pursuing manufacturing and engineering education.
“These scholarships are more than financial support—they are an investment in the future of manufacturing and engineering,” said Rob Luce, vice president of the SME Education Foundation. “By reducing the financial burden of education, we are helping students stay focused on developing the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Our mission is to ensure that every aspiring student has the opportunity to thrive and to build a stronger, more abundant pipeline of talent ready to lead the industry forward.”
Among this year's scholarship recipients are students awarded the prestigious E. Wayne Kay and Dr. Irving P. McPhail Endowed Scholarships , who become part of the SME Education Foundation Bright Minds Community of Scholars, gaining access to the SME Bright Minds Mentorship Program and various other benefits provided by SME.
“Thanks to the SME Education Foundation scholarship, I’m able to pursue my dream of studying Industrial Engineering at Northwestern University,” said SME Education Foundation scholarship recipient Julie Bui. “Coming from a low-income family, I never thought college would be possible — this opportunity has given me the confidence to believe in myself and my ability to make a real difference in society. I’m excited to be part of a new generation of engineers committed to building a future that is efficient, sustainable, and transformative.”
Learn more about the Foundation scholarship recipients and their achievements here.
The SME Education Foundation will begin accepting scholarship applications for the 2026-27 school year on Nov. 1. For additional information or to register and receive application reminders, please visit smeef.org/scholarships.
About SME Education Foundation Scholarships
The SME Education Foundation scholarship program awards millions of dollars to hundreds of graduating high school seniors and current college students across the country. With more than 60 distinct programs, the Foundation provides merit and need-based scholarships, issues renewing and one-time awards, and seeks applications from all eligible students. Since 2005, the Foundation has awarded $19 million to over 5,000 future industry leaders.
About SME Education Foundation
As the philanthropic arm of SME, the SME Education Foundation inspires, prepares, and supports the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. Established in 1979, the Foundation works to expose youth to modern manufacturing technologies, train students on relevant manufacturing processes, and award millions of dollars in scholarships annually. All Foundation programming seeks to empower youth to consider and pursue careers in manufacturing. We continue to inspire, prepare, and support the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent – now as many as 12,000 students every year. Visit smeef.org and follow the SME Education Foundation on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
About SME
Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization, SME represents the entire North American manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities in which they operate. We believe manufacturing holds the key to economic growth and prosperity, and champion the industry's potential as a diverse, thriving, and valued ecosystem. SME accelerates new technology adoption and builds North America’s talent and capabilities to advance manufacturing and drive competitiveness, resiliency, and national security. SME designs new ways to understand and solve problems, and our solutions advance the next wave of growth in manufacturing. Learn more at SME.org.