William J. Adams, Jr. & Marijane E. Adams Scholarship
Offered by American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
About This Scholarship
The Adams Scholarship is ASABE's award for undergraduates drawn to a specific, hands-on corner of engineering: the design and development of new agricultural machinery. Funded by Mr. and Mrs. William J. Adams, Jr. through the ASABE Foundation, it pays $2,000 toward tuition, fees, books, and on-campus room and board for one student each year, with the society reserving the option to award more than one if the applicant pool is strong.
Eligibility is built around the ABET or CEAB accredited biological or agricultural engineering curriculum. You need at least one year of undergraduate study completed and at least one remaining, a GPA of 2.5 or better, ASABE student membership, and a demonstrable need for financial aid. That 2.5 GPA floor makes this one of the more accessible society scholarships for solid-but-not-perfect students.
The application itself is short: an entry form with a brief essay on why you chose agricultural machinery design as your focus and the extent of your financial need, plus an endorsement from your department head corroborating your eligibility. Note that ASABE grants only one Foundation-funded scholarship per student per academic year.
Eligibility
- Declared major in biological or agricultural engineering in an ABET- or CEAB-accredited curriculum (U.S. or Canada)
- Completed at least one full year of undergraduate study, with at least one year remaining (not a graduating senior)
- ASABE student member (student membership costs apply; see asabe.org for current dues)
- Overall GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Special interest in agricultural machinery product design and development
- Able to attest to the need for financial aid (tuition, fees, books, and on-campus room and board)
How To Apply
- Download the entry form from the Adams Scholarship page on asabe.org
- Write the brief essay on why you chose agricultural machinery product design and development and the extent of your financial need
- Have your department head or another college official complete the endorsement section of the entry form
- Email the completed entry form and essay to the ASABE Awards Administrator by March 15
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for more than one ASABE scholarship?
Yes — you may apply to multiple ASABE scholarships if you meet all requirements and each essay is original. However, ASABE grants only one Foundation-funded scholarship per student per academic year.
What GPA do I need?
An overall GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, which is lower than most national engineering scholarships require.
When are winners notified?
The recipient is notified in early June, selected by ASABE's P-120 Student Organizations Committee, with publicity in a fall issue of Inside ASABE.