AWS Airgas Jerry Baker Scholarship 2026 , USA
The AWS Airgas Jerry Baker Scholarship is a prestigious award created to support future leaders in welding engineering and welding engineering technology. Designed for undergraduate students committed to advancing careers in the industrial gas or welding equipment distribution industry, this scholarship provides financial support and recognition to top-performing engineering students in the United States and Canada.
Overview of the AWS Airgas Jerry Baker Scholarship
The Airgas Jerry Baker Scholarship, awarded by the American Welding Society (AWS), supports talented undergraduate students pursuing four-year bachelor’s degrees in Welding Engineering (WE) or Welding Engineering Technology (WET). With only one award available, this scholarship is highly competitive and provides funding for students demonstrating strong academic performance and interest in the welding industry.
- Scholarship Amount: $2,500
- Deadline: March 1
- Awards Available: 1
Degree Level
The scholarship supports:
- Undergraduate bachelor’s degree programs (4-year minimum)
- Welding Engineering (WE)
- Welding Engineering Technology (WET)
Associate degrees and graduate programs are not eligible.
Available Subjects
Applicants must pursue one of the following majors:
- Welding Engineering (WE)
- Welding Engineering Technology (WET)
Priority is given to WE students planning a career in:
- Industrial gas distribution
- Welding equipment distribution
- Welding supply industries
Benefits
The AWS Airgas Jerry Baker Scholarship offers valuable benefits to engineering students:
- $2,500 financial assistance for tuition, books, and academic expenses
- Support for students pursuing high-demand careers in welding engineering
- Increased opportunities for collaboration within the industrial gas and welding equipment sectors
- Priority for students showing dedication through work experience or technical participation
- Renewable for up to four academic years
- Recognition from one of the most respected engineering organizations—the American Welding Society (AWS)
This scholarship is ideal for students who want to build a successful future in the welding and industrial gas industries.
Eligible Nationalities
Eligible applicants must be:
- Citizens of the United States or Canada
- Planning to attend an academic institution within the U.S. or Canada
- Priority is given to students who reside in Alabama, Georgia, or Florida.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the AWS Airgas Jerry Baker Scholarship, applicants must meet these requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Be enrolled full-time at an accredited institution
- Maintain at least a 2.8 overall GPA
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA in engineering courses
- Be a U.S. or Canadian citizen
- Pursue a bachelor’s degree in WE or WET
- Plan to attend a U.S. or Canadian institution
- Priority Factors (not required but preferred):
- Demonstrated financial need
- Work experience or activities related to welding, industrial gas, or equipment distribution
- Residency in Alabama, Georgia, or Florida for at least one year
Applicants may reapply and receive the scholarship for up to four years
Application Procedure
Students must apply through the AWS online scholarship portal. The general process includes:
1. Prepare Academic Documents
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Official transcripts showing required GPA
- Proof of full-time enrollment
2. Demonstrate Interest in Welding / Industrial Gas Industry
Students can strengthen their application by providing:
- Work experience in welding or industrial gas industries
- Membership in welding organizations or engineering clubs
- Participation in technical projects, competitions, or events
3. Complete the Online Application
Submit the application through the AWS website by March 1, 2026. You may need to include:
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Academic & professional goals
- Documentation of residency if applying from AL, GA, or FL
4. Submit Before Deadline
- Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
5. Reapply Annually (Optional)
- Students may reapply and receive the scholarship for up to four years if they continue to meet eligibility requirements.