Author: Julie Ross

The ACEC Research Institute is the leading source of knowledge and thought leadership dedicated to advancing a more sustainable, safe, and technically advanced built environment. Through research, trend analysis, and academic scholarships, the Institute works to strengthen and elevate the engineering profession.

Through the ACEC Research Institute’s online scholarship portal, qualified students can access more than 100 scholarships totaling nearly $1 million in awards, including the NCEES Professional Licensure Scholarship which will award a $5,000 scholarship to a student in Michigan. Students complete a single application, which automatically matches them with all scholarships for which they qualify.

The deadline for all national scholarships is March 13, 2026. Scholarships provided by ACEC State Member Organizations may have varying deadlines.

Students can access the scholarship portal here:
https://acecinstitute.awardspring.com/ 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like additional information.

Mira Schueler

Manager, Engagement

ACEC Research Institute

Office: 202-347-7474

Mobile: 202-682-4304

1400 L Street NW, Suite 400

Washington, DC 20005-3529

Email: mschueler@acec.org

NFSF Scholarships

The NAWIC Founders’ Scholarship Foundation (NFSF) assists in providing the construction industry with trained employees through higher education and certified training programs. The construction industry encompasses almost every professional discipline, including trades, project management, administrative, legal, financial, insurance, and business owner. The NAWIC Founders Scholarship Foundation (NFSF) is here to help.

Each year we are pleased to award over $250,000 to worthy recipients in construction-related programs. Award amounts start at $1,000. Some local chapters award scholarships as well. For questions on eligibility please see below or email us at nfsf@nawic.org.

NFSF was founded in 1963, is a self-supporting scholarship program, and is a 509(a)(3) designated organization so contributions are tax deductible as a charitable donation. We have the capability to administer scholarships to college or trade school students for your company or local NAWIC chapter.

Undergraduate Scholarship Eligibility:

• Applicant must be currently enrolled in a construction-related degree program at a school in the United States and must have a least one term remaining in a course of study leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree in a construction-related field. High school seniors and those pursuing graduate degrees are not eligible.
• Applicant must desire a career in a construction-related field.
• Applicant can be enrolled part-time or full-time.
• Applicant must have a current cumulative GPA or 3.0 or higher to be considered for awards.
• To be considered, the Application and all attachments must be complete and received via email by February 28th for the next following academic year. If your school only mails transcripts, please email NFSF (nfsf@nawic.org) for the address to mail the transcripts to. Official sealed transcripts must also be received no later than February 28th. THIS DEADLINE IS STRICTLY ENFORCED.
• Only students enrolled in a school in the United States will be considered for awards.
• Scholarship winners will be contacted by the NFSF Administrator.  If you are an applicant, please do not call the national office to check on scholarship status.

Undergraduate Scholarship Application Form

MSES is proud to announce its annual scholarship program for college students pursuing a degree or career in a transportation-related field. 

Since 1953, the MSES Legacy Scholarship has awarded more than $1.6 million to over 1,100 deserving college students who demonstrate strong academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to pursuing a career within Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure industry. 

2026-2027 MSES Scholarship Application 

• The 2026-2027 scholarship application is now open and must be submitted by March 10, 2026. 
• Scholarship qualifications, guidelines, and evaluation criteria are available at https://mses.org. 
• Applications must be submitted through the online application form (scroll to the bottom of the page) at https://mses.org. 
• Questions regarding scholarship qualifications or the application process may be directed to Heidi Holste, Executive Director, at info@mses.org. 

Application Review Process 

• Applications will be reviewed and scored by members of the MSES Scholarship Committee using the published criteria. 
• The top scoring applicants will participate in a virtual “meet and greet” with MSES scholarship committee members to learn more about MSES, its goals, and opportunities for future involvement. Please note that the “meet and greet” is not part of the scholarship scoring process. 

Engage with MSES 

We encourage you and your students to take advantage of additional opportunities to connect with MSES: 

• Free Student Membership: All scholarship applicants receive a complimentary MSES student membership, which includes access to the MSES newsletter and free attendance at MSES events. 
• Stay Connected: Follow MSES on LinkedIn and Facebook for updates, events, and announcements. 
• Guest Speakers: MSES professionals are available to speak to classes or student groups. To request a speaker, please contact info@mses.org. 
• Annual Meeting: All scholarship recipients are invited to attend the MSES Annual Meeting on February 5, 2026, to connect with fellow students and MSES members. Registration for students is free.  REGISTER HERE 

IMEG’s engineering scholarship opportunity – open now through March 13, 2026. All of the necessary information needed to apply can be found in the links below. The application is completed through ACEC and takes some time to complete.

Link: https://acecinstitute.awardspring.com/Home/ScholarshipDetails/396544

IMEG Info: https://imegcorp.com/careers/imeg-engineering-scholarship-program/

SMITHGROUP DESIGN A BETTER FUTURE SCHOLARSHIP

We created the SmithGroup Design a Better Future scholarship program to put action to our mission to create a better future for our communities. This scholarship program provides tuition assistance and professional opportunities to students who demonstrate commitment to advancing inclusion in the design industry. Since its inception, the program has awarded $240,000 to 40 recipients across the United States. 

Each year, five students who demonstrate a commitment to advancing an inclusive design industry are selected to receive a one-time award of $6,000 in tuition support. Recipients selected also receive a paid summer internship at any one of SmithGroup’s locations offering the student’s discipline (internship is a program requirement).  The 2026 applications for the SmithGroup Design a Better Future Scholarship will be open until midnight on Monday, December 8, 2025. 

Application: https://www.smithgroup.com/become-an-intern