SME Education Foundation

• The SME Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization working for the advancement of manufacturing education. The foundation supports outreach programs that encourage students to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM subjects) and Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM). As of 2011, the foundation grant funded $50,000 from the Gene Haas Machining Scholarship Fund to the Detroit-based Focus: HOPE Machinist Training Institute (MTI). Gene Haas, founder and president of Haas Automation Inc., machine tool manufacturers, established the scholarship fund in support of students interested in manufacturing-based careers. Focus: HOPE's career training programs cover manufacturing engineering and engineering technology. Scholarship requirements include financial need, academic achievement and commitment to advanced machining supported by faculty letters of recommendation. As of 2011, scholarships awarded through SME had a starting value of $1,000.
  
  

Southwest District Kiwanis Foundation

• Kiwanis is an international service organization. In the U.S., the Southwest District has divisions and clubs in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. In keeping with the Kiwanis goal to support youth, the Southwest District Kiwanis Foundation sponsors several annual vocational and technical scholarships for students pursuing careers as mechanics, welders and technicians in the auto, aviation and other industries. In particular, the John L. Finley scholarship is for a key club member pursuing a vocational or technical career that requires an associate degree. Applications call for a description of career goals, financial need information, extracurricular activities, GPA, transcripts and a letter of recommendation. As of 2010, the value of each scholarship was $500.
  
  

Alexandria Technical & Community College

• Alexandria Technical & Community College in Minnesota offers a machine tool technology program. The program introduces students to tools, materials, equipment, trade terms and job skills, including advanced precision machining skills and equipment. Students with mechanical aptitude and interest, as well as high school courses in mathematics, metals, machine shop, drafting and computer programming, are prospective candidates for scholarships. As of 2011, available scholarships included: the $200 to $500 Machine Tool Technology Program Scholarship, which requires a 3.0 GPA; the $500 Aagard Group, LLC Scholarship for current students; the $200 Alexandria Extrusion Company Scholarship, which requires a 2.5 GPA and an essay explaining financial need; the $200 Darrin Koep Memorial Scholarship, which requires a 2.5 GPA; and the $1,000 to $2,000 Graco, Inc. Scholarship, subject to availability of funds, requiring a 3.0 GPA.
  
  

Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas

• The Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas offers scholarships for low-income, low-skilled or laid-off individuals to train as machinists at Wichita Area Technical College, at the National Center for Aviation Training. The condensed, 10-week program covers the basic skills necessary to become a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinist. The program is in response to demand from local aviation and manufacturing companies. Scholarships that are available on a first-come, first-served basis cover the full cost of tuition, books and fees.
  
  

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge

• The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge in Fort Worth challenges teams of students nationwide to take apart and reassemble a high-performance Chevy 350 engine in the fastest time, using only hand tools. Judges also look for correct methods of dismantling and reassembly. As of 2011, the School of Machinists awarded a $1,000 scholarship to each competitor.