AOE Fellowship Grant

The AOE Fellowship, established by the ACI Foundation in memory of Wendy O. Ward, supports undergraduate students pursuing careers in sales, marketing, or public relations within the concrete industry. Awardees receive a $10,000 stipend for educational expenses, mentorship opportunities, and recognition in industry publications. This fellowship encourages students from diverse backgrounds to apply, fostering growth and innovation in the concrete sector. By participating, students gain valuable insights and support for their academic and career aspirations.

About ACI Foundation
ACI Foundation is a not-for‐profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation supports a wide range of research and educational initiatives that contribute to keeping the concrete industry at the forefront of technological advances in material composition, design, and construction.
The ACI Foundation’s proactive, forward‐thinking, and collaborative focus offers those who are passionate about their work and legacy an institution for contributing to the future through their expertise, experience, and donations as the organization identifies trends, opportunities, and needs, while actively supporting the next generation of leaders in the concrete industry.
To support these initiatives, ACI Foundation oversees three councils: the Concrete Research Council (CRC), the Scholarship Council (SC), and the Concrete Innovation Council (CIC). Council members are instrumental to guiding the educational, research, scientific, and charitable goals of the Foundation.
The ACI Foundation offers Fellowships to high-potential graduate and undergraduate students whose studies relate to concrete.
Wendy O. Ward was a member of the AOE team for more than 10 years. Known throughout the concrete industry as a leading expert in helping organizations with their marketing and sales efforts, she was an advocate for broadening career opportunities in the concrete industry. Wendy passed away at the early age of 32 from breast cancer.
This fellowship was established to honor her memory and help provide aid with the cost of college to students. This fellowship will be awarded to undergraduate students with an interest in sales, marketing or public relations in the design or construction industry. First preference will go to students pursuing a degree in a Concrete Industry Management (CIM), though students from other schools and programs are encouraged to apply. Your essay should highlight your interest in a career in the design and construction industry and how this fellowship will benefit your academic progress and help you meet your career goals. There is a potential internship opportunity with Advancing Organizational Excellence (AOE).
Fellowship recipients will receive the following:
$10,000 USD educational stipend for tuition, residence, books, and materials;Appropriate recognition in Concrete International magazine and on the Foundation website;Paid travel expenses and attendance fees to two ACI conventions (must be used during the award year). Fellowship finalists must attend the Spring ACI Convention to be interviewed.Matched with an industry mentor.
Some of the fellowships expect the awardee to complete a 10- to 12-week internship during the summer. Those applicants chosen as a finalist for an ACI Foundation fellowship will be notified by February and must be available to attend an interview with the Scholarship Council in March at the spring ACI Concrete Convention. ACI Foundation will pay for the flight, hotel, registration, and will include a travel stipend.
The educational stipend is paid in two equal installments over the course of one year directly to the student to cover expenses related to tuition, room and board, books, student fees, etc. Receipt of stipends is contingent upon attendance at scheduled ACI Concrete Conventions during the award cycle.
Fellowship awardees are expected to submit a written report near the end of their fellowship period describing the value of the fellowship to their personal development and to their preparation for their chosen career after graduation.

Eligibility

ACI Foundation fellowships can be awarded to international students; however, you must attend an institution in U.S., Canada or Mexico during the award cycle.All applicants must be proficient in the English language. If English is not your native language, you can upload a copy of your TOEFL score to your application. This is optional and not required.