Emerging First Year Scholars Scholarship

Geographic Scope: Global

Focus Areas: Engineering, engineering technology, and related fields

Eligibility:

• Students entering first year of undergraduate study (including current high school seniors)
• Studying full-time at ABET-accredited programs in engineering, engineering technology, or computer science
• High school GPA above 3.5
• SWE Collegiate or SWENext members highly encouraged and receive additional consideration

What They Fund:

• Scholarships for first-year undergraduate students pursuing engineering degrees
• In 2025, SWE disbursed over 330 scholarships valued at nearly $1,600,000

Contact:

• Office: 130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500, Chicago, IL 60601
• Phone: 1.312.596.5223
• Email: hq@swe.org

Application Process

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

• Be studying engineering or computer science full-time at the collegiate level in the upcoming academic year
• Be enrolled in a program accredited by ABET
• Have a high school GPA above 3.5

Step 2: Apply

• Complete the Emerging First Year Scholars Application
• For students entering first year of collegiate undergraduate study in the upcoming academic year
• Automatically considered for all Society-selected scholarships you are eligible for
• One application covers all applicable scholarships

Step 3: Ensure Reference Submission

• One letter of recommendation required (academic teacher or character reference)
• Reference must submit by application deadline
• Applicant responsible for ensuring timely submission
• Provide accurate contact information for reference

Step 4: Wait for Review

• SWE begins awarding scholarships around May/June
• All applicants receive scholarship decisions in the fall
• Selected recipients asked for official transcript
• May be asked for additional materials to verify eligibility
• Selected recipients asked to provide resume for scholarship sponsors

Required Materials:

• Contact information for one reference
• Unofficial transcript of most recent schooling
• Resume (if selected)