Training to become a welder is an investment in your future, and Western Welding Academy is committed to helping you fund it. Below you’ll find scholarships available through Western Welding Academy, along with national scholarships offered by outside organizations that support students in the skilled trades.
Cost Should Never Stand Between You and the Trade.
Once you apply, your dedicated Student Selection Advisor walks you through every scholarship, grant, and funding option available to you, and helps you figure out which ones fit your situation. Below is an overview of what’s currently open, along with programs opening soon, so you can start planning today.
STart here
Funding Through Western Welding Academy.
Annual Weld Competition
We host an annual welding competition right on our Gillette campus, and every high school competitor walks away with a scholarship, win or lose. It’s one of the best ways to earn serious funding while showing off real booth skills.
Amount
High School Division awards scholarship money, and every high school student who competes wins at least $1,000. Open Division awards up to $10,000 cash.
WHO IT’S FOR
High school students and open competitors from across the country, judged on weld quality, technique, and time under AWS testing standards.
HOW IT WORKS
Register for the next competition at our Gillette, Wyoming campus, then compete live for scholarship and cash prizes.
AVAILABILITY
Held once a year. Check the event page for the next competition date.
UP TO $3,500
In-State & Neighboring State Scholarship
You don’t have to choose between training at a pipe welding academy and staying close to home. If you live in Wyoming or one of our neighboring states, we’re offering up to $3,500 off your training, and the jobs waiting for you back home are some of the best in the trade.
Amount
Up to $3,500, applied toward your enrollment. The exact amount depends on the program you choose.
WHO IT’S FOR
Students who live in Wyoming or one of our neighboring states, including Montana, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
HOW IT WORKS
Apply to Western Welding Academy, confirm your state of residence, and the scholarship is applied once you enroll.
AVAILABILITY
Limited time offer, available only for remaining 2026 start dates.
NATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
External Scholarships Open or Opening Soon.
These scholarships are accepting applications today. Apply as early as possible, since several are awarded on a rolling basis.
Open Now
mikeroweWORKS Work Ethic Scholarship
Students pursuing a skilled trade, including welding, in a program two years or less at an accredited school. Rolling applications with four decision rounds throughout the year.
Deadline: October 31, 2026 for the current round · decisions in December
$500 – $34,000+
avg. award ~$9,000
Bold.org welding scholarships
For high school seniors or trade-school students pursuing welding.
Deadline: vary by scholarship
$500 – $3,000
Home Depot Foundation Path to Pro
For students entering trade programs, including welding, carpentry, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. Awarded quarterly.
Next deadline: September 30, 2026
$2,500
quarterly
Opening Soon — Late 2026 to Early 2027
DEWALT Trades Scholarship
For high school seniors, grads, or undergrads in welding, construction, industrial, mechanics, or tech. 40 winners.
Opens November 4, 2026 · deadline February 28, 2027
Up to $5,000
AWS Foundation Scholarships
National, District, and Section awards for students enrolled in welding or related programs. Some require AWS student membership.
Typical cycle: winter and spring
$1,000 – $10,000+
Precision Metalforming Association (PMAEF)
For students in welding, metalforming, manufacturing, machining, CNC, tool & die, or stamping.
2027 cycle: October 5, 2026 to January 31, 2027
$1,000 – $2,500
varies
Annual & Rolling Deadlines
Metal Supermarkets Trade School Scholarship
For students accepted into or attending trade school programs.
Deadline: June 30, 2027
$1,000 – $2,500
varies
SkillsUSA WD-40 Scholarship
For SkillsUSA members in the trades, including welding.
Deadline: April, annually
$1,500
PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarships
For students in welding, plumbing, heating, cooling, and related trades.
Deadline: varies, often spring
VARIES
Not sure which ones you qualify for?
HOW TO GET STARTED
Four Steps to Your Funding Plan.
01
apply to wwa
Your Student Selection Advisor can’t begin matching you to scholarships until your application is on file.
02
Meet Your Advisor
They review your background and point you toward every scholarship and grant you qualify for, inside and outside WWA.
03
Apply Early
Several scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, so funds can run out before the final deadline. Sooner is better.
04
Ask Questions
Financial aid can feel confusing. Your advisor walks through every form, deadline, and requirement with you.
Your Welding Career Shouldn’t Wait on Funding.
Between scholarships, grants, and financing options, most students find a path that makes Western Welding Academy affordable. Reach out today and let your Student Selection Advisor build a funding plan that works for you.