Now Open for Applications: Nearly $3 Million in Welding Scholarships
The American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 scholarship season, with $2.7 million available to support students pursuing welding and related fields across North America. The deadline for AWS National, District, and Section Scholarships is March 1, 2026.
In 2025, the AWS Foundation awarded scholarships to more than 1,500 students, providing financial support ranging from $1,000 to more than $8,000. Recipients attended 430 institutions across the United States and internationally, reflecting the broad reach of the program.
AWS scholarships are available for all levels of welding education, from short-term technical programs to associate and bachelor’s degrees. In 2025, 66 percent of scholarships were awarded to students enrolled in technical schools, helping address the growing demand for skilled welders in construction, manufacturing, and other critical industries. Twenty percent of recipients were female, significantly higher than the industry average of 7.9 percent.
“Investing in welding education is essential to building a skilled workforce for the industries of today and tomorrow,” said Monica Pfarr, Executive Director of the AWS Foundation. “Our donors and AWS members are committed to supporting students who will become the welders, fabricators, and industry leaders of the future.”
Educators are encouraged to share this opportunity with students, and all prospective applicants are urged to apply through the AWS scholarship application portal before the March 1, 2026 deadline.
About AWS
The American Welding Society is the worldwide authority in the development of standards, certifications and educational programming for the welding, allied joining and cutting community. We are a not-for-profit organization committed to connecting the welding industry to our extensive collection of resources, informing our community of technological advancements and developing the next generation of welding professionals with the help of the AWS Foundation. AWS serves over 60,000 members worldwide, is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and Student Chapters, and includes more than 1500 volunteers in over 200 technical committees, subcommittees and task groups.
