I'm considering majoring in engineering when I start college, and I'm looking for scholarships aimed at freshmen in this field. Which scholarships should I keep an eye on, and how competitive are they?
There are several scholarships that engineering students might be eligible for. Here are a few examples:
1. The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship Program is aimed at women pursuing ABET-accredited baccalaureate or graduate programs in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science. In 2024, SWE disbursed approximately 250 new and renewable scholarships valued more than $1 million.
2. The ASHRAE Undergraduate Engineering Scholarships program offers several scholarships to eligible, incoming freshmen interested in engineering programs. Awards range from $3,000 to $10,000 per academic year, based on individual scholarship requirements.
3. The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) provides scholarships for underrepresented minority students in engineering and science.
4. The Create Real Impact Contest has an engineering category and awards $1,500 to incoming or current undergraduate students. This contest aims to engage young people in creating impactful messaging around distracted driving.
5. The ASCE Foundation Scholarships, offered by the American Society of Civil Engineers, are available for high school seniors planning to study civil engineering.
6. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) offers the David Hermance Hybrid Technologies Scholarship, which could be beneficial if you're interested in automotive engineering.
In general, these scholarships are highly competitive due to their nationwide or even worldwide recognition. Make sure to keep track of the application deadlines and ensure that your application materials (essays, letters of recommendation, etc.) are as strong as possible. You may also find more locally-based or school-specific scholarships beneficial, which might be less competitive due to the smaller applicant pool. Finally, always check if your intended engineering colleges have scholarships for incoming engineering students. These are often renewed annually, given you maintain a specific GPA.
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