STUDENTS, ARE YOU IGNORING OPPORTUNITY?

Each year, students pass up an excellent opportunity for scholarships as available funds go unclaimed or are granted with little or no competition.  Welding students are frequently “overlooked” by guidance counselors as they work with the students who have committed their next four years to a particular college.  Too often, students assume that they are not eligible for funding due to grades or income level. 

I am urging students in high school welding programs to seek funding sources on your own and take time to fill out those applications.  The only thing you have to lose is a couple hours of your time and the cost of a postage stamp.  However, you have much to gain if you successfully receive the scholarship award.

Local sections of the American Welding Society are just one funding source.  The AWS Dayton-Section has established an educational scholarship fund named on behalf of the first Dayton Section Chairman Al J. Mealey.  You do not have to be a member of AWS to apply and the scholarships are applicable to those entering vocational schools as well as college in a welding-related field of study.  The Dayton Section requires applicants to reside in the Dayton AWS Section area.  You may obtain an application from the Dayton Section Scholarship Committee by contacting Bryan Worley, ksolopass@earthlink.net­­­­­­­.  It is worth your time to check with the AWS Section nearest your home or school or with the district or national organization at http://www.aws.org to learn about their scholarship programs.

The Hobart Institute of Welding Technology offers three scholarships each year because programs begin each month throughout the year.  The deadline for the Robert Bercaw Scholarship is April 1 for those planning to begin classes in May through September; the deadline for the Howard B. Cary Scholarship is August 1 for those planning to begin classes in September through January; and the deadline for the Raymond C. Dunlavy Scholarship is December 1 for those planning to begin classes in January through May.

Each of the Hobart Institute scholarships is valued at the cost of the 21-week Structural Welding Program and must be applied toward tuition.  However, if you are interested in the 36-week Combination Structural and Pipe Welding Program, you may apply the funding toward that program.  You would be responsible for the balance of the tuition.   

You may obtain a scholarship application, including complete rules and regulations, at http://www.welding.org or call 1-800-332-9448, ext. 5300.

Don’t miss out on this important source of funding by ignoring opportunity!  Apply today!