All future engineers can now realize their dreams of funded research work, a biomedical breakthrough, or even an all-expense paid education. Aside from the many university-sponsored educational grants, minority-oriented scholarships and national scholarships are also made available for them to take advantage of. Specific minorities can benefit from several grants offered by several organizations. Although applying for a national scholarship can be quite competitive, being a national scholar can literally pay off the expenses. You just need the right scholarship information, strong determination, and excellent scholastic records to qualify for one.

Minority-oriented Scholarships

The National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) supports Latino, African American, and American Indian students interested in pursuing engineering. They established the “Block Grant” scholarship program where universities and organizations aiming for an increase in number of minority enrollees and graduates may participate. You may refer to their website for the list of Block Grant participants.

Scholarships offered especially for women have now been created for those planning to pursue mathematics, science, or engineering. The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) awards interested high school seniors who will be studying at accredited colleges or universities. A number of scholarships ranging from $100 to $1,000 will be given to women who want to succeed in research or teaching.

Offering almost ten $1,000-worth graduate fellowships annually, the foundation also has four memorial awards where outstanding graduate students studying a particular major may apply. Qualified Physics majors may receive the Luise Meyer-Schutzmeister Award. The Diane H. Russell Award is granted to pharmacology or biochemistry majors. Plant biology majors may qualify for an Amy Lutz Rechel Award. A Ruth Satter Award is given to outstanding students who interrupted their study for a minimum of three years to start their own respective families.

The AWIS also offers the Kirsten R. Lorentzen Award to students on their second or third year of study in physics, geophysics, geoscience, and space physics. Students who have excellent performance in academics and non-academic activities or those who overcame significant challenges may qualify to receive $1,000 annually.

The National Society of Professional Engineers is another organization offering scholarships for women who are about to pursue engineering courses. Inclusive of monetary awards, scholarships such as the Paul H. Robbins, P.E., Honorary Scholarship, the Professional Engineers in Industry Scholarship, and the Virginia D. Henry Memorial Scholarship are offered annually.

For Korean-American engineering majors, there are eight $1,000-worth scholarships they may apply for. The Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association gives educational grants depending on the student's academic performance and potential as evident in their application essays, resumes, and recommendation letters. To become eligible, an applicant must be a member of the association or must have a parent who is one. Both graduate and undergraduate students may apply.

Engineering Scholarships

Meanwhile, there are other scholarships that are specifically offered to Engineering students.

The Engineering Education Service Center at Orlando offers scholarships to qualified engineering majors or high school students who are planning to study civil or structural engineering. Through the Wire Reinforcement Institute, scholarships amounting to $10,000 are given annually to respective colleges or universities of recipients.

Established by the Mercury 7 astronauts, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation also gives financial aid to engineering, natural science, or applied science majors. It awards $10,000 each to applicants nominated by accredited universities. Qualified students are at least sophomores who have done research or lab work and have excellent academic records. They are also US citizens who have innovative minds and high potential in the field of science and technology. Only one student per university will receive the grant.

Around 300 students all over the United States are awarded with the Barry Goldwater Scholarship. Being one of the most prestigious national scholarships, it gives students who have great potential in the fields of engineering, mathematics, or natural sciences a chance to study for free. The program was created in honor of Senator Barry M. Goldwater, a soldier and statesman for 56 years and an advocate in the advancement of science and mathematics. Funded by the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation, it awards each student $7,500 to pay for expenses like books, tuition, and lodging.

To qualify, students must be nominated by their university or college. They should be incoming juniors or seniors in the upper fourth of their class, have majors in engineering, mathematics, or natural sciences, and attained a minimum of "B" GPA. They must be US citizens, US nationals, or permanent residents. Nominated permanent residents should include in their application a copy of their Permanent Resident Card and a letter of intent to acquire citizenship.