AES Engineering Scholarship
Offered by AES Engineering
About This Scholarship
AES Engineering, a professional engineering services firm, runs a refreshingly simple annual scholarship built around a single reflective essay. There is no application packet, no transcript requirement, and no fee — students submit a 500-to-1,000-word essay answering one question: "When you look back on your life in 30 years, what would it take for you to consider your life successful?"
Despite the sponsor's name, the $500 award is not limited to engineering students. High school seniors and current post-secondary students in any field of study may enter, because the firm evaluates applicants on character rather than GPA or intended major. That makes it one of the lower-effort legitimate awards available to students who write well.
Submissions go directly by email to the firm's scholarship inbox along with the applicant's full name, current school, and future plans. AES explicitly rejects AI-generated essays, so the writing needs to be genuinely your own.
Eligibility
- High school seniors and current post-secondary students may apply
- Open to all fields of study — an engineering major is not required
- Evaluated on the strength and character of the essay rather than GPA
- No application fee and no membership requirement
How To Apply
- Write a 500-1,000 word essay answering the prompt about what would make your life successful in 30 years
- Email the essay with your full name, current school, and future plans to [email protected] — do not include a resume
- Submit by the October 8, 2026 deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be studying engineering to win?
No. AES Engineering opens the award to students in all fields and judges applicants on character as shown in the essay, not their major or GPA.