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Scholarship Opportunities

“Working at my co-op job when I was in high school and then receiving scholarships like the SME scholarship allowed me to graduate with no debt.”
– Caitlyn Ulinski, Scholarship Recipient

For more than 40 years, the SME Education Foundation has been a leader in supporting the next generation of manufacturing and engineering talent. Our scholarship program awards millions of dollars to hundreds of graduating high school seniors and current college students pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree in technical fields that directly support manufacturing.

With more than 60 distinct scholarship programs, 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. The Foundation has awarded 18 million to over 5,000 future industry leaders since 2005 and awards nearly a million dollars in scholarships each year.

Scholarship applications are accepted annually from November 1 – February 1. By submitting one application, you will be considered for every scholarship for which you are eligible. Awards range from $2,500 – $20,000.

Scholarship Impact

$18

Million awarded

5,000+

Students supported

60+

Scholarships, 1 Application

Supporting the Next Generation Workforce

Two million manufacturing jobs need to be filled by 2030. Scholarships are the response to this challenge.

Need Application Tips?

Have questions about scholarship applications? Fill out the contact form and our team will be in touch.

Recent Scholarship Stories

Classmates Achieve College Dreams With Matching SME Education Foundation Scholarships

Jasmine Brown and Samantha Hiller, 18-year-olds from Lake Wales, Florida, are studying machining and engineering at Polk State College in Winter Haven with the help of the SME Education Foundation's Dr. Irving P. McPhail Endowed Scholarship, which they were awarded for the 2024-25 school year. In addition to receiving scholarships, both students took advantage of the SME Bright Minds Mentorship Program, which pairs SME Education Foundation Scholarship winners up with SME mentors.

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Connect with the SME Education Foundation

Stay up-to-date on what's happening with the foundation, the PRIME Program, upcoming student summits, scholarship opportunities and more.
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Recent Scholarship Announcements

Read Annual Report

2023 was a record year for the SME Education Foundation as Bright Minds Student Summits, SME PRIME, and the Scholarship program delivered impressive results.
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