SME Education Foundation Scholarships Opening Soon
Offered by SME Education Foundation
About This Scholarship
The SME Education Foundation, the philanthropic arm of SME (formerly the Society of Manufacturing Engineers), runs one of the largest scholarship operations in the skilled-technical space: more than 60 distinct scholarship programs funded through a single common application. The foundation has distributed $18 million since 2005 and awards nearly a million dollars in scholarships each year to students headed into careers that support manufacturing.
Awards range from $2,500 to $20,000 and go to graduating high school seniors and current college students pursuing associate or bachelor's degrees in technical fields that directly support manufacturing - think mechanical and manufacturing engineering, robotics, welding engineering technology, industrial technology, and related programs.
The efficiency is the selling point: by submitting one application, a student is automatically considered for every scholarship for which they qualify. Applications are accepted annually from November 1 through February 1, and the foundation has confirmed the application for the 2027-28 school year will open in November 2026. No SME membership is required to apply for the general scholarship pool.
Eligibility
- Graduating high school senior or current college student pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree
- Studying (or planning to study) a technical field that directly supports manufacturing
- One common application covers all 60+ scholarship programs; individual scholarships carry their own GPA and residency criteria
- Open to the general public - no SME membership or employer connection required for the general pool
How To Apply
- Create an account on the SME Education Foundation scholarship portal at smeef.org/scholarships when the application opens November 1, 2026.
- Complete the single common application with transcripts, activities, and short responses by the February 1, 2027 deadline; you are automatically matched to every scholarship you qualify for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply separately for each SME scholarship?
No. One application enters you into consideration for every one of the foundation's 60+ scholarship programs you are eligible for.
What majors qualify for SME Education Foundation scholarships?
Technical programs that directly support manufacturing - engineering disciplines, manufacturing and industrial technology, robotics, machining, welding, and similar associate or bachelor's degree paths.