AWS Welder Training Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by American Welding Society
Program Overview
The AWS Welder Training Scholarship supports students pursuing welder training in certificate programs shorter than two years at trade schools, community colleges, or other qualified training facilities. The award is not available for associate or bachelor's degree programs. Up to 800 scholarships of $1,000 each are awarded annually through AWS Districts to help cover costs associated with accredited welder training. Awards are intended to reduce barriers to entry into welding careers by covering direct training expenses.
Description: Short-term certificate training support for students entering welder training programs; awarded through AWS Districts.
- Supports certificate programs under two years in length
- Not applicable to associate or bachelor’s degrees
- Up to 800 awards of $1,000 each annually
Eligibility
The current application cycle is open to students who will attend school or training in the coming year. Applicants must reside within the boundaries of an AWS District and be planning to attend an approved trade school, community college, or other facility that provides welder training. Certain AWS volunteers and their immediate family members are ineligible to receive awards. Applicants should consult their District for specific residency boundaries and any local requirements.
Eligibility: Applicants must meet residency and training program requirements and must not be disqualified by AWS service roles.
- Applicants must reside within the boundaries of an AWS District. View the AWS District and Section Map here.
- Applicant must be planning to attend a trade school, community college, or other facility providing welder training.
- Awards will not be made to Section officers, or their families.
- Awards will not be made to Section Selection Committee members, or their families.
- Residency within an AWS District is required
- Program must be a welder training certificate under two years
- AWS officers and selection committee members (and their families) are ineligible
Selection Process
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis during the application window, typically from November through December, and awards are granted until a District’s designated funds for the year are exhausted. Submissions received prior to the stated deadline remain eligible while funds are still available in that calendar year. District selection committees review applications and allocate awards based on available funds and local criteria. Applicants should apply early in the cycle to maximize chances of receiving an award.
Application Timeline: Applications generally accepted November–December; selection occurs on a rolling basis until District funds are fully awarded.
- Rolling selection while funds remain
- Apply within the published November–December window
- Early applications increase likelihood of funding
Awards
District scholarships are a minimum of $1,000 and are intended to cover direct training-related costs. Scholarship funds are not paid directly to recipients; instead, payments are made payable and sent directly to the educational institution to cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and required equipment. Recipients have one year from the award date to redeem scholarship funds with the institution. Applicants should confirm with their institution how scholarship payments will be applied to their student account.
Award Value: Minimum of $1,000 per District scholarship; funds issued directly to the educational institution for eligible training expenses.
- Minimum award amount: $1,000
- Payments sent directly to the institution—not to recipients
- Funds usable for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and required equipment; redeemable for one year