With a society that is increasingly based on technology, engineering is an ever important field that is growing rapidly. Students specializing in mechanical, electrical, industrial, civil and aerospace engineering among many other fields will be entering a job market that is full of opportunities, depending on the location, of course. With thousands of professional openings out there, students can take advantage of their love of math and science with a degree in engineering and get some help paying for it with a generous scholarship.

Many students will find that there are a number of engineering scholarships out there for those of minority groups, especially young women, whom the engineering community wants to draw in. Eligibility for scholarships in engineering is usually determined by two factors: academic performance and financial need. Students meeting either of both of these requirements will be able to compete with other students for a wide variety of specialty and general engineering scholarships as well as future internships and professional opportunities.

Many universities offer scholarships to students entering or continuing study with the school, and students must be accepted to the school before they can be eligible to win. Universities aren’t the only place to get scholarship money, however. Students can also apply with professional organizations like American Society of Mechanical Engineers or with corporate sponsors like Boeing. Certain states have their own scholarship programs and there are a number of national award programs as well designed to help fill the need for qualified engineers in government and private organizations.

Engineering scholarships are often quite generous and students who receive them are at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can put their awards towards their primary studies or enjoy working in a variety of cutting-edge research projects that many scholarships fund.

Engineering Scholarships

• The Wire Reinforcement Institute Scholarship: $2,500 to $10,000 to four students pursuing degrees in structural or civil engineering.
• Society of Women Engineers Scholarship: Amounts vary but awards go to over 100 undergraduate and graduate women in engineering, engineering technology and computer science degree programs.
• American Society for Mechanical Engineers Scholarship: $1,500 to 16 students who are members and are studying mechanical engineering.
• American Institute of Chemical Engineers Donald F. & Mildred Topp Othmer Scholarship: $1,000 to 15 student members studying chemical engineering.
• American Indian Science and Engineering Society Scholarship from General Motors: $3,000 to 3 Native American students studying engineering.
• ASHRAE Memorial Scholarship: 3,000 each year to one undergraduate student in engineering