Supporting welding education and welding programs is something we are passionate about! We believe welding educators are arguably one the most critical conduits for the future of our industry, workforce, and communities.

Understanding the educational landscape is dynamic and constantly evolving, we have created this page to provided a variety of resources for welding instructors and efforts with the preparation of students and the journey to a career in welding. 

Grant Opportunities for Welding Programs


Welding Workforce Grant

The AWS Foundation is committed to supporting schools and educational institutions that are training the next generation of welders. Grants up to $25,000 are available to improve and expand facilities to increase the number of welding graduates. This year the AWS Foundation will award up to $300,000 to programs across the country.

Learn more about the Welding Workforce Grant program at www.aws.org/welderworkforcegrant

Hypertherm Spark Something Great Grant

Hypertherm’s Spark Something Great grant continues to reinforce our commitment to helping you develop the skilled metal workers of tomorrow. The purpose of this grant is to help ensure the next generation of metal working professionals is familiar with the newest technology for plasma cutting and gouging.

Learn more about the Spark Something Great Grant program at hypertherm.com/2022-spark-grant

Thinking about hosting a welding competition or looking to improve an existing one?

Check out this  AWS Publication for Welding Contests 

Scholarships for Welding Students

AWS offers more than $2 million each year in scholarships to students in certificate, associate degree, and bachelor’s degree welding programs.  More than 1,000 scholarships are awarded, with individual students receiving between $1,000 to $5,000, and in some cases even more.

National, District, and Section Scholarships

Deadline is March 1st for scholarships to be used the following fall term.

Learn more at www.aws.org/scholarships.   

Welder Training Scholarships

For students seeking welder training in a certificate program less than two years in length.  Applications are accepted January-November and selections are made throughout the year on a rolling basis.

Learn more at www.aws.org/weldertrainingscholarship.

Students can apply for all scholarships at scholarship.aws.org.

Scholarships for Welding Educators

Want to gain some extra knowledge or get some help pursuing an advanced degree? The AWS Foundation offers scholarships for welding educators to pursue continuing education or professional development.

Learn more and apply at www.aws.org/educatorscholarships.

See all scholarship recipients here!

 

View the AWS Foundation Annual Report 

AWS Membership Opportunities

Individual 

AWS membership can help you advance your career, connect with industry experts and save on AWS products and services. 

Learn more about AWS Membership Opportunities

Student

AWS knows that students are our industry’s future and provides every aspiring welding professional with a variety of unparalleled resources and opportunities.

Learn more about Student Membership Opportunities

Educational Institution

You strive to maintain the highest educational standards: to advance today’s workforce and train the next generation that will help keep our welding industry safe, strong and secure around the world. The Educational Institution membership was designed especially for educational leaders, faculty, staff and students.

Learn  more about the Educational Institution Membership

AWS Student Chapters

AWS Student Chapters provides a foundation for students to gain the knowledge, experience and networking needed to begin a successful career outside of the classroom.  With over 100 AWS Student Chapters located at schools across the country,  students can learn and sharpen the skills needed for a successful career in the welding industry. 

Learn more about AWS Student Chapters 

Learn more about what an AWS Accredited Test Facility has to offer!

Get Involved with your Local AWS Section

Learn more Here!

Turn-key welding curriculum for your program. Learn more here!