Engineering Student Scholarship



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The Ahrens Foundation, Inc. seeks to encourage students to pursue a degree and career in engineering. Engineers design and develop technological innovations that often create new jobs, expand the economy and improve our standard of living. Reports from the National Academy of Engineering indicate the United States is producing significantly fewer engineers as compared to other competitive nations. The purpose of this scholarship is to demonstrate the connection and relevance of experiential learning programs in the realm of engineering; the unique attributes of technological thought and understanding as found in high school curriculum, and the importance of demonstrated career aptitude in the field of engineering. The scholarship amount is currently $1,000. On a competitive basis recipients may reapply for the scholarship but are limited to no more than four years of participation.



Eligibility:

  1. The applicant must be a Wisconsin high school senior or Wisconsin post secondary student (university, technical college or college) that graduated from a Wisconsin public or private high school enrolled/accepted into an accredited four year engineering or engineering technology program at a public or private university in Wisconsin.

  2. The applicant must have been an active SkillsUSA or Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) member for at least one year.

  3. The applicant must demonstrate leadership qualities through experiences.

  4. The applicant must submit a completed application, essay and participate in an interview.

  5. The scholarship is limited to a minimum of one year (currently $1,000) or no more than four years ($4,000) with a new application due each year.




Selection Process:

  1. The applications will be judged on the basis of the information provided in the application, school records, personal essay, interview, and letters of recommendation.

  2. All applications received on or before the application deadline will be judged by the Ahrens Foundation Scholarship Committee.




Award Procedure

  1. The recipient will receive $1,000 after the first successful semester or second successful trimester of school.

  2. The student will remain in good standing with the university (not on probation due to grades or personal conduct).

  3. To remain eligible for a second scholarship each candidate must re-apply for the award.

  4. If possible each recipient is expected to attend and help out at the state SkillsUSA conference.

  5. The check will be mailed to the student and made payable to the university.




Instructions:

  1. Complete the top half of the application form.

  2. Sign the authorization for release.

  3. Have the designated school official complete the school certification section.

  4. Provide a one page description of your involvement with SkillsUSA and technology and engineering courses in high school.

  5. Write an essay, not more than two pages or 250 words describing your leadership qualities and why you wish to become an engineer.

  6. Provide one letter of recommendation from a high school teacher or college/university teacher.

  7. Provide one letter of recommendation from a coach, mentor, advisor or other non relative that can speak of your performance as a leader.

  8. Provide a copy of your official high school transcript and attendance record or college/university transcript.

  9. Provide a copy of your letter of acceptance to attend a university engineering program if you do not have a transcript from the college or university.

  10. Mail one copy of the entire application by March 1 of each year to the Ahrens Foundation.