What are the best scholarships for engineering students?

I'm a high school junior interested in pursuing an engineering degree once I graduate. I've been trying to get a head start on finding scholarships for future engineering students and planning for college expenses in advance. Are there any specific scholarships out there that are geared toward engineering majors? I’m hoping to find programs that recognize both academic achievement and passion for the field. Any suggestions on where to find such scholarships or any specific ones to aim for?

There are numerous scholarships available specifically for aspiring engineering students like yourself. While we typically advise students to start with local and state-based scholarships due to less competition, here are a few national scholarships that you might consider:

1. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships: As one of the most well-known professional organizations for women in engineering, the SWE offers scholarships for those who identify as female and are pursuing an ABET-accredited engineering program.

2. Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) Scholarships: This scholarship, while named for Detroit, is not strictly regional. High school seniors planning to pursue a degree in engineering or related science degrees in an ABET-accredited program can apply.

3. National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Scholarships: Multiple scholarships are provided by NSPE including the Steinman Scholarship, Bechtel Undergraduate Fellowship Award, and Auxiliary Legacy Scholarship.

4. ASHRAE Scholarships: For students interested in Heating, Ventilating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration, this society provides several scholarships each year.

5. AACE International Scholarships: AACE, Conference Advancement of Cost Management, offers scholarships for those studying engineering with a focus on cost estimation and management.

6. SMART Scholarship Program: This scholarship program is aimed at students pursuing degrees in STEM disciplines. The scholarship recipients also receive employment placement after graduation.

7. Buick Achievers Scholarship Program: This one is particularly for students interested in engineering within the automotive industry.

In addition to these, check with the engineering department of the universities you're considering applying to. Often, universities offer department-specific scholarships for engineering students. Also, consider contacting your local engineering societies as they may have information on regional and local scholarships. And don't forget to fill out your FAFSA as soon as you can to become eligible for aid based on your financial need.

Remember, many of these scholarships have early deadlines so don’t delay in beginning the application process. Best of luck in your scholarship search!