AWS Foundation Opens 2026 Welding Scholarships With $2.7M Available
Key Highlights
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$2.7 million in scholarships available for welding and fabrication students in 2026
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Strong emphasis on technical and hands-on training programs
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Growing participation from women entering the welding trades
MIAMI, FL — 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 career paths across North America. Applications for AWS National, District, and Section Scholarships are due by March 1, 2026.
The scholarship program is designed to support workforce development at every stage of welding education, from short-term technical training to associate and bachelor’s degree programs. Funding is available to students preparing for careers in construction, manufacturing, fabrication, and other skilled trades that rely on certified welding professionals.
Scholarships Support Technical Training and Career Readiness
In 2025, the AWS Foundation awarded scholarships to more than 1,500 students, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $8,000. Scholarship recipients attended 430 institutions throughout the United States and internationally, reflecting the broad reach of the program across the skilled trades pipeline.
Sixty-six percent of scholarship funds last year were awarded to students enrolled in technical schools, reinforcing the Foundation’s focus on hands-on training and job-ready skills. These programs play a critical role in addressing the ongoing shortage of qualified welders across multiple industries.
Expanding Access and Representation in the Welding Trades
The 2025 scholarship class also reflected progress in expanding access to welding careers. Twenty percent of scholarship recipients were female—significantly higher than the current industry average of 7.9 percent—highlighting growing interest and opportunity for women entering the field.
“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 and Students Encouraged to Apply
The AWS Foundation encourages educators, instructors, and workforce development partners to share the scholarship opportunity with eligible students. Prospective applicants can find full eligibility requirements and submit applications at scholarship.aws.org before the March 1, 2026 deadline.