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SME Education Foundation Scholarships Scholarship Opportunities High School Seniors

Scholarship Qualifying Criteria

Scholarship for High School Seniors

The SME Education Foundation awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors pursuing manufacturing and engineering related courses at two- or four-year technical schools, community colleges and universities within the United States or Canada. Students can apply for the scholarships below through our online application during our annual acceptance period starting on November 1 and ending on February 1.

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Albert E. Wischmeyer Scholarship

  • Graduating high school seniors or current undergraduate students.
  • Must be enrolled in an accredited degree program in manufacturing engineering, manufacturing engineering technology or mechanical technology.
  • Must be residents of Western New York State (West of Interstate 81).
  • Plan to attend a college or university in New York State.
  • Overall minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Students may submit a scholarship application in succeeding years.
  • Need is not a consideration in awarding scholarships except when two or more applicants have equal qualifications.

Alvin & June Sabroff Manufacturing Engineering Scholarship

  • Must be seeking a Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, technology, or closely related field at an accredited public or private college or university in the United States or Canada.
  • Must be a United States citizen.
  • Overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale.
  • First preference will be given to applicants who are planning to attend a college or university located in the state of Ohio.

Autodesk Scholarship

  • Graduating high school senior or current undergraduate student.
  • Full-time student, majoring in manufacturing, industrial engineering, or a closely related field, at an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada.
  • Must have completed at least one PLTW class.
  • Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • The applicant can attend a two or four year school.

Chapter - 79/198/311 Scholarship

  • Seeking an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Graduate degree in technology, engineering, mathematics, or manufacturing at an accredited public or private college or university in the United States of Canada.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Consideration will be given to the following preferences: Child, grandchild, related dependent of a member Chapter 079 or former member of Chapter(s) 198 or 311.
  • SME student members of student chapter University of Michigan-Dearborn S326 sponsored by Chapter 079.
  • Applicants who reside within the state of Michigan, but not restricted to the state of Michigan Applicants who are planning to attend a college or university located in the state of Michigan but not restricted to the state of Michigan.

Chapter 1 - Detroit Associate Scholarship

  • Graduating high school senior (entering college in the fall) or first time college applicant (e.g. displaced worker, veteran, non-traditional student).
  • Undergraduate student or graduate student.
  • A full or part time student.
  • Entering an accredited post-high school program including two (2) or four (4) year college, or trade school in Michigan.
  • Enrolling in a manufacturing engineering, manufacturing engineering technology, or a closely related degree or certificate program.
  • Possess an overall minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Citizen of the United States or Canada.
  • Demonstrate good character and leadership.
  • Need is not a consideration in awarding scholarships except when two or more applicants have equal qualifications.

Chapter 1 - Detroit Undergraduate Scholarship

  • Graduating high school senior (entering college in the fall) or first time college applicant (e.g. displaced worker, veteran, non-traditional student).
  • Undergraduate student or graduate student.
  • A full or part time student.
  • Entering an accredited post-high school program including two (2) or four (4) year college, or trade school in Michigan.
  • Enrolling in a manufacturing engineering, manufacturing engineering technology, or a closely related degree or certificate program.
  • Possess an overall minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Citizen of the United States or Canada.
  • Demonstrate good character and leadership.
  • Need is not a consideration in awarding scholarships except when two or more applicants have equal qualifications.

Chapter 105 - Memphis Scholarship

  • Seeking an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, mechanical, or industrial engineering, engineering technology, or industrial technology or closely related field of study. 
  • Must possess an overall minimum GPA of 3.0. 
  • Consideration will be given to the following preferences:
    • First preference will be given to applicants who are residents of the state of Tennessee.
    • Second preference will be given to applicants who are seeking their education from the University of Memphis.
    • Third preference will be given to applicants who are seeking their education from a college or university in the state of Tennessee.

Chapter 17 - St. Louis Scholarship

  • Full or part-time undergraduate students enrolled in a manufacturing engineering, industrial technology or other manufacturing related program. 
  • Consideration will be given to the following preferences: 
    • First preference will be given to applicants who reside within the boundaries of St. Louis Chapter 17.
    • Second preference will be given to applicants who reside within the state of Missouri.
  • Scholarship applicants must possess an overall minimum GPA of 2.5.

Chapter 23 - Quad Cities Scholarship

  • Seeking a Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing technology or integrated manufacturing systems.
  • Applicants must possess an overall minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • The scholarship can be used only as a credit toward books, fees, or tuition.
  • Consideration will be given to the following preferences: 
    • First preference will be given to an applicant who is an active SME Student Chapter member, is an SME Member or is a child, grandchild, or step child of a registered SME member or student member. 
    • Second preference will be given to an applicant who are residents of Iowa or Illinois and attending an Iowa or Illinois college or university.
    • Third Preference will be given to students who are residents of the state of Iowa or Illinois.
    • Fourth preference will be given to applicants who attend a college or university located in Iowa or Illinois.

Chapter 31 - Peoria Scholarship

  • Seeking a Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing technology or a manufacturing related degree program.
  • Must possess a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • Applicants must attend Bradley University (Peoria, Illinois) or Illinois State University (Normal, Illinois).
  • Consideration will be given to the following preferences: 
    • First preference will be given to scholarship applicants who are North Central Peoria-Chapter 31 members, their spouse, and/or children or grandchildren.
    • Second preference will be given to scholarship applicants who are Illinois Central College transfer students.
    • Third preference will be given to SME Student Chapter members.

Chapter 4 - Lawerence A. Wacker Memorial Scholarship

  • Graduating High School senior or current undergraduate student.
  • Must be enrolled in or accepted to a Bachelor’s degree program in manufacturing, mechanical or industrial engineering at a college or university in the state of Wisconsin.
  • Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
  • Applicants must plan on attending a four year program at an accredited, public or private college or university within the state of Wisconsin. 
  • First preference will be given to scholarship applicants who are Chapter 4 members, their spouse, and/or their children or grandchildren.
  • Second preference will be given to scholarship applicants who reside within the following Wisconsin counties: Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha.
  • Third preference will be given to scholarship applicants who reside within the State of Wisconsin.
  • Students may submit a scholarship application in succeeding years.
  • Need is a consideration in awarding scholarships only when two or more applicants have equal qualifications.

Chapter 52 - Wichita Scholarship

  • Applicants must be seeking an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Graduate degree in manufacturing, mechanical, or industrial engineering, engineering technology, or industrial technology at an accredited public or private college or university in Kansas.
  • Applicants must possess a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 point scale.
  • Consideration will be given to the following preferences: 
    • First preference will be given to scholarship applicants who are a child, grandchild, or relative of a current SME Wichita Chapter No. 52 member.
    • Second preference will be given to scholarship applicants who reside within the state of Kansas.
    • Third preference will be given to scholarship applicants who are planning to attend a college or university located in the state of Kansas.

Chapter 56 - Ft. Wayne Scholarship

  • Applicants must be seeking an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Graduate degree in manufacturing, mechanical, or industrial engineering, engineering technology, or industrial technology at an accredited public or private college or university located in the state of Indiana.
  • Applicants must possess an overall minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • Consideration will be given to the following preferences: 
    • First preference will be given to scholarship applicants who are a child or grandchild of a current SME Fort Wayne Chapter No. 56 member.
    • Second preference will be given to SME student members of student chapters that SME Fort Wayne Chapter No. 56 sponsor.
    • Third preference will be given to scholarship applicants who reside within the state of Indiana. 
    • Fourth preference will be given to scholarship applicants who are planning to attend a college or university located in the state of Indiana.

Chapter 6 - Fairfield County Scholarship

  • Applicants must be an undergraduate student enrolled in a degree program in manufacturing engineering, technology, or a closely related field in the United States or Canada.
  • Applicants must possess an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Preferences are given to, but not limited to, being a resident and/or a student in the eastern United States.
  • The scholarship can be used only as a credit toward books, fees, or tuition.

Chapter 63 - Morrow Scholarship

  • Applicants must be seeking a degree in manufacturing engineering or a closely related field.
  • Applicants must possess an overall minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 point scale.
  • Consideration will be given to the following preferences: 
    • First preference will be given to scholarship applicant who is a child/grandchild/step child of a current Chapter 63 member or membership in SME student chapters in Oregon and southwest Washington.
    • Second preference will be given to students planning to attend Oregon or southwest Washington schools.
    • Third preference will be given to applicants who reside within the states of Oregon and Washington. 
  • The scholarship can be used only as a credit toward books, fees, or tuition.

Chapter 63 - Smith Memorial Scholarship

  • Non-SME member students applying for this scholarship must be a first blood relative and/or a legal dependent family member of a current participating SME Chapter 63 member.
  • Must be attending an accredited college or university.
  • Applicants must possess an overall minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 point scale.
  • The scholarship can be used only as a credit toward books, fees, or tuition.
  • Consideration will be given to the following preferences: 
    • First preference will be given to current active membership in an SME student chapter in the states of Oregon and southwest Washington.
    • Second preference will be given to students planning to attend Oregon or southwest Washington schools.
    • Third preference will be given to applicants who reside within the states of Oregon and Washington.

Chapter 67 - Phoenix Scholarship

  • Graduating high school seniors who plan on enrolling in a manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering or manufacturing technology program, or current undergraduate students enrolled in a manufacturing engineering/technology, industrial engineering/technology or closely related program at an accredited college or university in Arizona.
  • Applicants must possess an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale.
  • Must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5, and a 3.0 GPA in their manufacturing courses to continue their eligibility in subsequent years.

Chapter 77 - Denver Scholarship

  • Must be seeking an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing technology, or a closely related field of study.
  • Applicants must possess an overall minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Consideration will be given to the following preferences: 
    • First preference will be given to scholarship applicants who are residents of the state of Colorado.
    • Second preference will be given to scholarship applicants who are seeking their education from a college or university in the state of Colorado.

Chapter 93 - Alburquerque Scholarship

  • Must be pursuing a Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering or related field at a New Mexico college or university.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Preferences: 
    • First preference will be given to scholarship applicant who is a child/grandchild/step child of a current Chapter 93 member.
    • Second preference will be given to an SME student member attending a New Mexico university.
    • Third preference will be given to applicants who reside within the state of New Mexico
    • Fourth preference will be given to scholarship applicants who are planning to attend an engineering college or university located in the state of New Mexico.

Clarence & Josephine Myers Undergraduate Scholarship

  • Must be seeking an Associate, Bachelor, or Graduate degree in manufacturing, mechanical, or industrial engineering in the state of Indiana.
  • Applicants must possess an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Consideration will be given to the following preferences: A student who is planning or currently attending a college or university in Indiana Students who attend Aresenal Technological High School in Indianapolis SME student members of SME Chapter 37 sponsored chapters
  • Applicants who are a child or grandchild of a current SME Chapter 37 member.
  • The scholarship can be used only as a credit toward books, fees, or tuition.

Donald N. Smith Endowed Scholarship 

  • Graduating high school senior or undergraduate student who will be enrolled in a two (2) or four (4) year college in the United States or Canada.
  • Seeking an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering or technology, industrial engineering or technology or a closely related degree program.
  • Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Preference will be given to students enrolled at the University of Michigan, the University of Michigan-Dearborn, or the University of Michigan-Flint.

E. Wayne Kay Undergraduate Scholarship 

  • Full-time students enrolled in a degree program in manufacturing engineering, technology, or closely related field in the United States or Canada.
  • Must possess an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Need is not a consideration in awarding scholarships except when two or more applicants have equal qualifications.

E. Wayne Kay Community College Scholarship

  • Must be full-time undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program in manufacturing or a closely related field at a two year Community College or trade school in the United States or Canada.
  • May be entering Freshman or Sophomore students with less than 60 college credit hours completed and be seeking a career in manufacturing engineering or technology.
  • Must possess an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Students may submit a scholarship application in succeeding years.
  • Need is not a consideration in awarding scholarships except when two or more applicants have equal qualifications.

E. Wayne Kay High School Scholarship

  • Graduating high school senior who commit to enroll in a manufacturing engineering or technology program at an accredited college or university as a full-time freshman in the current summer or fall semester.
  • Must possess an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for their high school senior year.
  • Available only to graduating high school seniors.
  • Students may apply for other scholarships offered through the Foundation in succeeding years. Need is not a consideration in awarding scholarships except when two or more applicants have equal qualifications.

Edward S. Roth Scholarship

  • Graduating high school senior, current full time undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in manufacturing engineering in the United States.
  • Must have and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale United States citizen.
  • Preferences will be given to students demonstrating financial need, minority students and students participating in a Co-Op program.
  • Must be seeking a Bachelor's or Master's degree in manufacturing engineering from the list of ABET accredited schools below: 
    • California Polytechnic State University, CA
    • California State Polytechnic University, CA
    • University of Miami, FL 
    • Bradley University, IL
    • Central State University, OH
    • Miami University, OH
    • Boston University, MA
    • Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA
    • University of Massachusetts, MA
    • St. Cloud State University, MN
    • The University of Texas - Pan American, TX
    • Brigham Young University, UT
    • Utah State University, UT

Honda Excellence in Manufacturing

The Honda scholarship has been available to manufacturing students since 2012. The scholarship benefits students who are passionate to pursue a career in advanced manufacturing.

  • Must be a graduating high school senior planning to attend one of the Community Colleges listed below
  • A part or full-time undergraduate student currently enrolled in certificate or degree program in manufacturing engineering/manufacturing technology or a closely related engineering discipline and attending one on the following Community Colleges in the state of Ohio:
    • Rhodes State College 
    • Columbus State Community College (all campuses) 
    • Marion Technical College 
    • Edison Community College (all campuses) 
    • Sinclair Community College (all campuses) 
    • Clark State College (all campuses)
  • Awards of $2,500 each will be made to up to twelve (12) students attending one of the six community colleges indicated, with a maximum of two (2) students per institution.
  • Must possess an overall minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Two reference letters are required and must be from a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) instructor. 
  • Students may submit a scholarship application in succeeding years. Need is not a consideration in awarding scholarships except when two or more applicants have equal qualifications.

Dr. Irving Pressley McPhail Endowed Scholarship 

The Dr. Irving Pressley McPhail Endowed Scholarship honors Dr. McPhail’s lifelong pursuit of higher education and championing the cause of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas of society. 

  • Scholarship(s) must be awarded to a female or minority student
  • GPA: 2.5/4.0 scale
  • Applicants: Graduating high school senior, community college or undergraduate student
  • Major: manufacturing engineering, manufacturing engineering technology or a closely related engineering or technology discipline
  • Pursuing Associate, Bachelor’s degree
  • School: Attending accredited public or private, two- or four-year college/university located in the United States or Canada
  • Citizenship: United States or Canadian citizen, green card or student visa
  • Residency at time of application: United States or Canada
  • Full time or part time student

Kenneth C. Novak Manufacturing Scholarship

  • Applicants must be seeking or intend to seek an Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, technology, or closely related field at an accredited public college or university in the state of Illinois.
  • Must be United States citizens.
  • Overall minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 point scale.
  • First preference will be given to applicants who are planning to attend one of the following colleges located in the state of Illinois: College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL Triton College, River Grove, IL Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Hills, IL Joliet Junior College, Joliet, IL or branch campus location.

Leanna Dorworth Memorial Scholarship 

  • Women applying for the Leanna Dorworth Memorial Scholarship must be a full or part-time student.
  • Pursuing an Associates or Bachelor's degree in STEM, Manufacturing or Industrial engineering programs.
  • Applicant must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Applicant must be a child or grandchild of an SME member or be a student member of SME.
  • Applicant must be a graduating High School senior or an undergraduate student with no more than 30 credit hours.
  • Preference will be given to legal citizens of North American countries but there are no geographic restrictions on the scholarship (i.e., no specific state, province, county or attend a particular institution).

Lynn E. and Carol Arnold Memorial Endowed Scholarship

  • Applicant must be seeking a degree in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, metallurgical engineering, fabrication, welding, metal working and other closely related engineering fields.
  • Applicant must be pursuing associate or bachelor’s degree
  • Applicant must be a graduating high school senior or current undergraduate student
  • Applicant can be part-time or full-time student
  • Applicant should have a minimum GPA of 2.0/4.0 scale
  • Consideration will be given to applicants with the following preferences:
  • Qualified applicants who reside in the following zip codes:
    • Ohio - 450**, 451**, 452**
    • Indiana - 470**, 472**
    • Kentucky 410**
    • If no qualified applicant is identified with the zip codes listed above then award can be made to a student living in the states of Ohio, Indiana or Kentucky.

M. Eugene Merchant Memorial Scholarship

  • Income from the endowment will be used to support undergraduate scholarships as specified below: 
    • Graduating high school senior or undergraduate student
  • Must be enrolled in a four year accredited degree program in manufacturing engineering or manufacturing engineering technology, or closely related discipline.
  • First preference will be given to residents from the state of Ohio that are planning to attend a college or university in the state of Ohio.
  • Second preference will be given to applicants who are planning to attend a college or university located in the state of Ohio.
  • Overall minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Must demonstrate good character and leadership.
  • Students may submit a scholarship application in succeeding years.
  • Need is not a consideration in awarding the scholarship except when two or more applicants have equal qualifications.

Marcus B. & Margo J. Crotts Manufacturing Engineering Scholarship

  • Graduating high school seniors who is enrolled in a four (4) year college or university seeking a bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering or a closely related degree program.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Consideration will be given to the following preferences: 
    • First preference will be given to students enrolled at North Carolina State University-Raleigh, North Carolina.
    • Second preference to students enrolled at a college or university in the state of North Carolina. 
  • Applicants must show evidence of a passion and a long term commitment to manufacturing.

North Central Region 9 Scholarship

  • Seeking an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, mechanical, industrial engineering or industrial technology.
  • Two or four-year college/university within the North Central Region (Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and the upper peninsula of Michigan).
  • Possess an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Consideration will be given to the following preferences:
    • First preference to applicants who are North Central Region 9 members, their spouse, and/or children or grandchildren.
    • Second preference will be given to applicants who reside within the states located in North Central Region 9 (Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and the upper peninsula of Michigan).

Richard Sarns Endowed Scholarship

  • Graduating High School senior enrolled seeking an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering or technology, industrial engineering or technology or a closely related degree program at a two or four-year college or university.
  • Possess a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Robert L. Vaughn Endowment

  • Awards from this Fund are intended to support the advancement of manufacturing-related education at Iowa State University of Science & Technology, Ames, Iowa.
  • Faculty may apply annually to the SME Education Foundation for awards in any of the following areas: As a scholarship or fellowship to a graduating high school senior, or current university student pursuing a degree in a manufacturing related discipline, or closely related field of study. 
  • If a scholarship or fellowship is awarded, the funds will be paid to the institution in the form of a credit account to pay for tuition, books, or housing. 
  • As a grant for "Student Outreach" programs to attract more students into careers in manufacturing and engineering.
  • Programs such as summer camps, industry tours and mentoring programs are eligible.
  • As a grant to support the purchase of manufacturing related equipment. Such equipment must have a retail value of at least $500 per item.
  • A grant to help develop a new curriculum which improves manufacturing-related education at Iowa State University.

Schneider/Bingle PLTW Scholarship

  • Must have completed three or more Project Lead The Way (PLTW) courses.
  • Must be seeking a Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering or a closely related degree program.
  • Must be a citizen of the United States or Canada.
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Must be attending a four-year college or university in the United States or Canada.
  • Must be a full-time student.

SME Education Foundation Family Scholarship

The SME Education Foundation Family Scholarships are awarded annually to students who meet the criteria below.  Four students will be selected, one student will receive a $40,000 scholarship payable over four years.  The remaining three students will each receive $20,000 scholarships payable over four years.

  • Must have at least one parent or grandparent who has been an SME member in good standing for the last two years. This includes step-mothers and step-fathers.
  • Pursuing a degree in manufacturing engineering, manufacturing engineering technology, or a closely related engineering field of study at an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada.
  • Graduating High School senior or undergraduate student with up to 30 credit hours completed.
  • Must enroll full-time at the college or university of choice.
  • Overall High School GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Minimum SAT score of 1000 and/or ACT score of 21.
  • Must reside within the United States or Canada.
  • Demonstrate academic excellence and an interest in manufacturing engineering or related technology
  • Renewal Requirements:
    • Must comply with all eligibility requirements and:
      • Maintain a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
      • Submit Intent to Renew Form and copies of the previous year’s transcripts to the Foundation prior to the start of the next academic year.

SME Education Foundation Robotics Scholarship

  • Must be seeking an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing technology or a closely related field of study.
  • Possess an overall minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Must have participated in a Robotics Competition during high school.
  • Provide a letter of recommendation from a Robotics faculty leader/coach/mentor verifying participation.

Walt Bartram Memorial Education Scholarship

  • SME student membership is required except for graduating high school seniors.
  • Must reside in New Mexico, Arizona and Southern California.
  • Full time college student at a college or university.
  • Pursuing a degree in manufacturing engineering or closely related field.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 on 4.0 scale.
  • Funds can be used to pay for tuition, books or housing.
  • Need is not a consideration in awarding this scholarship except when two or more applicants have equal qualifications.

High School Seniors

Jump-Start Your Manufacturing Career with a Scholarship

The SME Education Foundation annually awards millions of dollars in scholarships year to students pursuing manufacturing careers. Scholarship applications are accepted from Nov. 1 – Feb 1. every year. Apply today!
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“I am extremely grateful to the foundation for the opportunity to continue my education and earn my degree. Their support and generosity made a huge difference, and helps students realize how supportive the community can be and motivates students to strive for the best. Thank you for believing in me and helping me with my education.”
Constance, SME Education Foundation Scholarship Recipient