Best Vocational Rehab Grants in Tennessee

Gregory D. Spring Perseverance Scholarship

Established in memory of Gregory D. Spring, this scholarship is for a graduating senior from Allegany-Limestone Central School, Ellicottville Central School, Franklinville/Ten Broeck Academy, Portville Central School, Hinsdale Central School or Olean High School with a preference for a student who intends to pursue a degree or certification in a trade or technical program. 

American Welding Society (AWS) National Scholarships

The National Scholarships are the most prestigious, high-dollar scholarships offered by the AWS Foundation. More than 130 donor-funded scholarships, totaling over $700,000, are available for students pursuing a bachelor’s or associate degree in welding or a related discipline. Scholarships range from $2,500-$10,000+. Applicants are required to submit two references and official transcripts.

National Scholarships are a crucial component of a country's commitment to promoting education and providing opportunities for its citizens to excel academically. These scholarships are designed to recognize and support outstanding students, enabling them to pursue their educational goals and contribute to the development of their nation.

Elias Eade Jr. Scholarship

This scholarship was created in honor and memory of Elias Eade Jr. by his children. Elias Eade Jr. was a lifetime resident of Olean who faithfully served God, his country, his family and the Olean community. Mr. Eade was a graduate of Olean High School and St. Bonaventure University and a member of the Olean business community for many years. Mr. Eade was an entrepreneur, leader and a man of great strength and integrity with an unprecedented work ethic. Candidates must be a graduating senior of a high school in Cattaraugus County with good academic standing and leadership skills and who plan to continue their education at a trade school or 2- or 4-year college or university. Candidates must answer an essay prompt of their choice from the three prompts provided by the fund advisors.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

Illinois Mutual Employees’ Children Scholarship Fund 

The Illinois Mutual Employees’ Children Scholarship Fund was established by Illinois Mutual Life Insurance Company to provide scholarship support for the children of employees who are graduating from high school or are undergraduate college or vocational students who will be enrolled full time.

For general scholarship questions, please contact Illinois Mutual’s Community Relations Department. For questions about the application process or required materials, contact the Community Foundation of Central Illinois at 309-674-8730 or amanda@communityfoundationci.org.

Who We Are

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois will make a sustainable philanthropic impact in our community through visible leadership in connecting people who care with causes that matter.

MidAmerica National Bank’s Employees Children Scholarship Fund

The MidAmerica National Bank’s Employees Children Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 by MidAmerica National Bank to provide scholarship support to the children of bank employees. It is open to students graduating from high school or currently enrolled in an undergraduate college or vocational program.

About

Mission, Vision & Values

To enhance our community through philanthropy.

We aspire to co-create diverse, meaningful and innovative charitable giving that yields an exponential positive impact within local communities and beyond.

Masonic Lodge Scholarship

About the fund

These funds are focused on providing scholarships to students and historically underserved youth in Benton County, thereby encouraging them to complete their education at a public institution.

Ezekiel Hennessey Mitchel Scholarship Fund

The Ezekiel Hennessey Mitchel Memorial Scholarship is designated for graduating high school seniors from Benton, Polk, Lincoln, and Linn Counties pursuing careers in vocations such as the following:

• Home building trades
• Tile setting
• Carpentry
• General contracting
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• HVAC
• Welding
• Entrepreneurship and/or small business development
• Other trades defined by Benton Community Foundation

Students must attain certificates or degrees from accredited trade schools, technical schools, or community colleges. 

Knights of Pythias Scholarship Fund

In 1950, the membership roster for the Corvallis lodge of the Knights of Pythias, Valley Lodge No. 11 had more than 250 names, but membership declined over the years and the club subsequently disbanded. In 1992, as remaining members began discussions about how to distribute the assets of the lodge, Benton Community Foundation (BCF) emerged as a natural choice.

“We felt it would be best to keep the money in the community where our members lived and worked,” said Bob Bareinger, a member in the organization since 1943 and an officer since 1954. The lodge tried to give BCF the entirety of assets, including the deed to the building, but the Oregon Chapter that has jurisdiction over it stepped in and required the assets to be distributed differently. BCF received one-third of the lodge assets, which means that the Knights of Pythias will continue to serve the youth of Benton County in perpetuity by providing annual scholarships to graduates of Benton County high schools.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Mike and Lillian & Charles and Anne Boonstra Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Lillian Boonstra, who established the Mike and Lillian & Charles and Anne Boonstra Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Lillian was born and raised in Muskegon. She married Mike Boonstra, who, along with his brother Charles, owned the Boonstra Brothers Coal Co. on Western Ave for many years. Mike was one of the originators of radio station WMUS, a well-known country music radio station. Mike died a tragic death in 1981. He and Lillian were childless but always had candy for the neighborhood children. They were affectionately known as the candy lady and man. Not only was the Community Foundation a beneficiary of Lillian’s generosity, but also her church and others. The Boonstra Fund will be used to assist students attending any college, university or technical degree program, in addition to those pursuing careers in Christian vocation and service.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

AWS Future Leaders Program 2026

Become an AWS Future Leader

The AWS Future Leaders Program is a career-transforming opportunity for early-career professionals looking to step into leadership within the welding industry.

Gain unparalleled access to industry experts, contribute to AWS’s governance, and shape the future of welding. Our mission is to empower the next generation of leaders with diverse perspectives, ensuring the welding industry reflects the needs of tomorrow.

Why join the AWS Future Leaders Program

Shape the future of welding. Gain mentorship, leadership experience, and industry connections while representing the next generation of welding professionals.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Counselor and Fellow Awards

The AWS Counselor and Fellow Awards celebrate members for distinguished organizational leadership and notable contributions to welding science and technology.

Counselor Awards

The American Welding Society, in 1999, established the honor of Counselor of the Society to recognize members for a career of distinguished organizational leadership that has enhanced the image and impact of the welding industry. The first class of Counselors was inducted at the 2001 AWS Show.

Election as a Counselor of the Society is demonstrated as evidenced by:

• Leadership of or within an organization that has made a substantial contribution to the welding industry.
• The individual’s organization shall have shown an ongoing commitment to the industry, as evidenced by support of participation of its employees in industry activities.
• Leadership of or within an organization that has made a substantial contribution to training and vocational education in the welding industry.
  • The individual’s organization shall have shown an ongoing commitment to the industry, as evidenced by support of participation of its employees in industry activities.
  • This recognition is selected by the AWS Counselor Committee based on specific criteria at least 16 months in advance of FABTECH.
  • Nominations must be submitted through the online nomination portal by June 1st.
  • Nominations are reviewed/selected at the fall Counselors Committee meeting, with final approval the following year at the spring Districts Council meeting.

A maximum of 5 Counselors are selected each year, as determined by the Counselors selection committee.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Counselor and Fellow Awards

The AWS Counselor and Fellow Awards celebrate members for distinguished organizational leadership and notable contributions to welding science and technology.

Fellow Awards

The American Welding Society, in 1990, established the honor of Fellow of the Society to recognize members for distinguished contributions to welding science and technology, and for promoting and sustaining the professional stature of the field. The first class of Fellows was inducted at the 1991 AWS Show.

AWS Fellow candidates are expected to have demonstrated impactful contributions through research, teaching, leadership, or service. Election as a Fellow of the Society is based on the outstanding accomplishments and technical impact of the individual. These accomplishments will have advanced the science, technology and application of welding, as evidenced by:

• Sustained service and performance in the advancement of welding science and technology
• Publication of papers, articles, and books, which enhance knowledge of welding
• Innovation and development of welding technology
• Society and Section contributions
• Professional recognition

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

CWI Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2018, the American Welding Society established the AWS Certified Welding Inspector Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize individual members for a career of distinguished service, leadership, outstanding accomplishments, and innovative contributions towards enhancing the image and technology of welding inspection. Individuals receiving the award may be currently working as a CWI or have worked as one in the past.

• Election as a CWI Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is demonstrated as evidenced by:
• Advancements in the field of welding inspection.
• Mentorship of individuals entering the field of welding inspection.
• Effective application of existing and new inspection technology.
• Evidence of participation in activities directly related to the recruitment, training, education and/or mentorship of individuals entering the field of welding inspection.
• This recognition is selected by the AWS CWI Lifetime Achievement Award Committee based on specific criteria.
• Nominations are reviewed/selected during a fall CWI Lifetime Achievement Award Committee meeting with final approval the following year at the spring Districts Council meeting.
• A maximum of 5 recipients are selected each year, as determined by the selection committee.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

AWS Distinguished Member Award

The AWS Distinguished Member Award was created to recognize outstanding service and commitment of AWS Members to the Society and the welding industry.

To qualify for Distinguished Member status, applicants must accrue 35 or more points from at least three of the four categories listed on the application form. These include National AWS Leadership, Local AWS Leadership, Professional Development, and AWS Membership Recruitment. Members are invited to nominate an individual by submitting the completed application form to the Director, Membership.

Award recipients will receive an AWS Distinguished Member Award certificate, suitable for framing, a Distinguished Member lapel pin, and recognition in the Welding Journal, as well as in the AWS Awards Directory. Allow three weeks for delivery.

To request more information, please contact the Director, Membership.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Education / Meritorious / Service Awards

The Educational/Meritorious/Service awards recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to the welding industry. From educators who have advanced welding knowledge to those who've exhibited outstanding service, these awards celebrate dedication, expertise, and the advancement of welding as both an art and a science.

Howard E. Adkins Memorial Instructor Membership Award

The Howard E. Adkins Instructor Membership Award is sponsored by Mrs. Wilma Adkins and family, and is given as a means of recognizing high school, trade school, technical institute or community college instructors whose teaching activities are considered to have advanced the knowledge of welding to students in their respective schools.

This award is recognized at the National, District and Section levels. The nominee is selected at least 12 months in advance of FABTECH. Selections are made during the annual District Conference meetings for all three levels. District and Section level recognitions are automatic but National level nominee information is submitted to the AWS Education Committee for final selection.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Education / Meritorious / Service Awards

The Educational/Meritorious/Service awards recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to the welding industry. From educators who have advanced welding knowledge to those who've exhibited outstanding service, these awards celebrate dedication, expertise, and the advancement of welding as both an art and a science.

Private Sector Instructor Membership Award

This award was established by the AWS Board of Directors as a means of honoring educators in the welding community teaching in private facilities. These individuals, in the opinion of the AWS Education Committee, have advanced the knowledge of welding to their students through apprenticeship programs, internal corporate training programs, and similar nonpublic educational activities.

This award is recognized at the National, District and Section levels. The nominee is selected at least 12 months in advance of FABTECH. Selections are made during the annual District Conference meetings for all three levels. District and Section level recognitions are automatic but National level nominee information is submitted to the AWS Education Committee for final selection.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Welder Training Scholarship

The AWS Welder Training Scholarship is for students seeking welder training in a certificate program less than two years in length through a trade school, community college, or other facility providing welder training.

Up to 800 - $1,000 Welder Training Scholarships will be awarded annually.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Lewis G. and Margaret R. Curtis Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Lewis and Margaret, who established the Lewis G. and Margaret R. Curtis Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Margaret Curtis wished to establish two scholarships; one for females pursuing careers in nursing or health care careers and the other for a male pursuing a vocational, technical or trade career scholarship. Mrs. Curtis, a nurse in the area, provided for this fund in her will in memory of her husband and herself. She stated that the income be used to award scholarships in two fields, nursing and vocational training.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Rocket Scholars Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the parents and alumni of Reeths Puffer Schools, who established the Rocket Scholars Foundation Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. The Rocket Scholars Foundation was created by parents and alumni with two purposes in mind:

• To continue to foster within the school system a culture of rigorous academic achievement for all students and
• To offer those students who have demonstrated high achievement, scholarships to help defray the increasingly expensive tuition costs at colleges, universities and accredited post-secondary vocational and technical schools.

At the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues.

Margaret A. Wright Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Margaret Wright, who established the Margaret A. Wright Scholarship of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Margaret worked as a secretary for the Norge Corporation, the County of Muskegon and Muskegon Construction. She enjoyed sewing, ice skating and exercising at the Y. When she passed, she left a gift through her estate to create a scholarship fund that will support will support Muskegon County graduates that are pursuing a specific trade or skill.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

J. K. Stanford Memorial Award Fund

Rose "Rossie" Miller, a passionate advocate for the community, and her family established this scholarship in memory of their loved one, J. K. Stanford, who was a talented auto mechanic. According to Rose, "my brother J.K. was so good of a mechanic, it seemed like he could simply listen to a car run and tell you what was wrong. He was a compassionate, kind-hearted person, who had a love of cars from an early age." Rose stated, "having received scholarship funds myself, I feel blessed to finally be able to give back to the community." The Stanford family witnessed the realities of not having certification and made a commitment to removing that barrier for others. This scholarship will benefit individuals obtaining certification as an auto or heavy equipment mechanic, an opportunity J.K. never had due to lack of funds. Recipients shall prove to be passionate about and persevere towards their educational goals while maintaining high academic standards.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Education / Meritorious / Service Awards

The Educational/Meritorious/Service awards recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to the welding industry. From educators who have advanced welding knowledge to those who've exhibited outstanding service, these awards celebrate dedication, expertise, and the advancement of welding as both an art and a science.

Elihu Thomson Resistance Welding Award

This award is administered by the American Welding Society and sponsored by the Resistance Welding Manufacturing Alliance (RWMA). It was established in 1985, during RWMA's 50th anniversary, for initial presentation in 1986 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the invention of resistance welding. Naming of proposed recipients is the responsibility of RWMA.

It is presented annually to a living individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the technology and application of resistance welding, as evidenced by:

• Invention or production of new resistance welding equipment innovations or technology
• A unique application of resistance welding in a production environment
• A technical paper published in the Welding Journal or any other industry-recognized publication, or
• Other contribution the RWMA Governance Committee deems worthy of recognition

The AWS District Scholarships, offered by the American Welding Society, provide financial support for students pursuing welder training in certificate programs. Annually, up to 800 scholarships worth $1,000 each are available for those attending accredited trade schools or community colleges. Eligible applicants must reside within AWS District boundaries and plan to attend a qualifying institution. Funds can cover tuition, fees, and necessary supplies, promoting growth in the welding profession.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Section and District Named Scholarships

Many AWS Sections offer scholarships funded by local members, companies, and donors. These scholarships are designated for students within each section and range from $1,000 to $3,000+.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Welding Educator Professional Development Scholarships

AWS Foundation Welding Educator Professional Development Scholarships provide funding for welding educators to advance their skills and impact in teaching. Aimed at current educators in welding-related fields, these scholarships demonstrate AWS's dedication to enriching welding education.

National Educator Scholarships

Five donor-funded scholarships worth $1,000 to $5,000

• Bechtel Group Foundation Educator Scholarship
• Earl C. Lipphardt Educator Scholarship
• Jackson Safety Educator Scholarship
• Tim Turner Educator Scholarship
• William Kielhorn Educator Scholarship

Funds are paid directly to the educational institution or organization providing the training.

The AWS Educator Professional Development Scholarships are awarded annually in May or June.

About AWS

We Move Welding Forward

Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

Welding Educator Professional Development Scholarships

AWS Foundation Welding Educator Professional Development Scholarships provide funding for welding educators to advance their skills and impact in teaching. Aimed at current educators in welding-related fields, these scholarships demonstrate AWS's dedication to enriching welding education.

District Educator Scholarships

Each of AWS’s 22 Districts awards educator scholarships worth $500 to $2,000.

To see which District your school is in, view the AWS District and Section Directory.

Funds are paid directly to the educational institution or organization providing the training.

The AWS Educator Professional Development Scholarships are awarded annually in May or June.

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Louis E. Maddalena Battle Creek Area Scholarship

The Louis E. Maddalena Battle Creek Area Scholarship Fund has been established for the purpose of providing scholarships to greater Battle Creek area public and private high school graduating seniors and graduates, pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities, who have accepted to or are enrolled at a 2-year or 4-year college or university, technical or trade school. Preference will be given to graduating seniors.