SAE Detroit Section Technical Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Society of Automotive Engineers

Description
**Purpose and audience**
This scholarship supports children and grandchildren of active SAE Detroit Section members who are pursuing postsecondary studies in engineering or science. It aims to steer qualified, motivated high-school graduates into technical fields at a time when demand for graduates is expected to outpace supply. The award is merit- and need-informed, intended to lower financial barriers and encourage full-time enrollment in accredited programs.

Key takeaways
- Targets children/grandchildren of SAE Detroit Section members.
- Focused on engineering and science career pathways.
- Designed to attract students amid an anticipated shortage of qualified graduates.

History of the Award
**Founding and intent**
The scholarship was established in 2001 by the SAE Detroit Section to strengthen the pipeline of engineering and science graduates. It reflects the Section’s long-term commitment to workforce development by investing directly in the next generation of technical professionals. The program has continued annually to support eligible local families connected to SAE Detroit.

Key takeaways
- Founded in 2001 by SAE Detroit Section.
- Created to address future shortages in engineering and science graduates.
- Ongoing program to support SAE-affiliated families.

Eligibility
**Who can apply**
Applicants must be U.S. citizens who are high-school graduates (or graduating seniors) and the child or grandchild of an active SAE Detroit Section member. The member must hold paid SAE Detroit Section membership for at least one year at the time of application. Applicants must hold an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher and plan full-time enrollment in a two- or four-year engineering or science program at an ABET-accredited institution; demonstrated financial need is also considered.

Key takeaways
- U.S. citizen, high-school graduate or graduating senior.
- Child or grandchild of SAE Detroit Section member with ≥1 year paid membership.
- Minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA; must enroll full-time in an ABET-accredited engineering or science program.
- Financial need is a factor in selection.

Award Value
**Number and amount**
Each year the SAE Detroit Section awards two scholarships of $20,000 each to eligible recipients. The awards are substantial, multi-thousand-dollar contributions intended to materially reduce college costs for the selected students. The funds support enrollment in accredited engineering or science programs and are intended to be applied directly to students’ academic expenses.

Key takeaways
- Two scholarships awarded annually.
- Each scholarship is $20,000.
- Funds intended to materially offset college-related costs for engineering or science study.

Application Process
**How to apply and required materials**
Applicants begin the online application after January 6 and must create a user ID to complete the application steps. Required materials include an official high-school transcript, the FAFSA output cover page showing the Student Aid Index (SAI), and at least one letter of recommendation from an adult non-family member (teacher, coach, pastor, etc.). Complete every application section before final submission—applications cannot be modified after submission—and applicants may be invited to a brief interview with the Scholarship Committee.

Key takeaways
- Start online after January 6; create a user ID to access the application.
- Required documents: official transcript, FAFSA output cover page with SAI, and ≥1 adult non-family recommendation.
- Applications are final once submitted; interviews may be requested.

Application Timeline and Selection
**Key dates and decision process**
The application cycle opens after January 6 each year; exact submission deadlines are available on the SAE Detroit Section application portal. Recipients are chosen by the SAE Detroit Section Scholarship Committee and applicants will be notified by the end of June. Selection balances eligibility, academic performance, and financial need as outlined by the Committee’s criteria.

Key takeaways
- Application window opens after January 6 (check portal for final deadline).
- Scholarship Committee selects two recipients.
- Notifications are issued by the end of June.

Payment and Use of Funds
**Disbursement and permitted uses**
Scholarship funds ($20,000 per recipient) are deposited directly into the recipient’s school account, typically by August, to support the upcoming academic year. The money may be applied to tuition, fees, and other incidental school expenses as the institution allows. Recipients should coordinate with their school’s financial aid office for processing and applicable billing rules.

Key takeaways
- Funds are deposited into the recipient’s school account (generally by August).
- Usable for tuition and other incidental school expenses.
- Recipients must work with their school’s financial-aid office for disbursement details.