Purpose:
The Underground Construction Association of the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration Engineers (UCA of SME) Scholarship has been established to encourage the introduction of undergraduate and graduate academic pursuits and careers in the field of tunneling and underground construction and numerous associated disciplines involved in the development, planning, design, and construction of underground infrastructure.
The UCA of SME annually awards one or more scholarships to promising college students who desire to develop their skills in tunneling and underground mining. Up to $10,000 in scholarships may be awarded each year. The recipient(s) will be announced each spring in anticipation of the next academic year. The scholarship will be awarded based on an evaluation by the UCA Scholarship Committee and approved by the Executive Committee of UCA of SME.
A UCA of SME Scholarship may be awarded to students attending any college or university in the United States that provides a curricula in academic disciplines associated with planning, design, and construction of tunnels as well as underground construction, and leading to a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. degree. A desire for and probability of success in a career in tunneling or underground construction and related disciplines will be important factors in selection of the successful candidate. Before awards are authorized, candidates may be interviewed by one or more of the Scholarship Committee to determine the nominee's desire for a career in tunneling and underground construction and the applicant’s likelihood for success.
Rules and Procedures:
Candidates for awards must be of good character and must have demonstrated scholastic aptitude with a "B" average required in the major. Candidates must be enrolled in a regular course of study leading to a degree in geology, geotechnical engineering, civil engineering, construction, or construction management - all facets of underground engineering and construction.
Applicant must be fully matriculated at an accredited school and submit a copy of his/her transcript along with this application.
Applicant must be an undergraduate junior or senior or a graduate student during the academic year of the scholarship award.
The applicant must submit one letter of recommendation from faculty members, professionals from industry, or others who can write knowledgably about the applicant’s academic potential and professional interests as they relate to the tunneling and underground construction.
An interview may be requested by the UCA of SME Scholarship committee.
Schedule for Application, Evaluation and Awards:
Notice of Scholarship availability and distribution of scholarship materials to Universities: September.
Reminders of Application deadline: Mid October.
If you are not a student member of UCA of SME, you must join by December 1st. Click here to join today!
The deadline for application and reference materials is December 15.
Recommendation to the UCA of SME Executive Committee: late January
Announcement of selection will be made by the UCA of SME in April
Scholarships formally awarded at the North American Tunneling or Rapid Excavation Tunnel Conference held in June of each year.
IRS Tax-Free Scholarship Criteria: Scholarships paid to, or for the benefit of, students at educational institutions to aid in the pursuit of study. Students may be undergraduates or graduates.
The scholarship is tax-free only if: You are a candidate for a degree at an eligible educational institution, and
You use the scholarship money to pay qualified education expenses.
Qualified Expenses Include: Tuition and fees required to enroll: and Course-related expenses, such as fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for the course. These items must be required of all students in the course.
Unqualified Expenses Include: Room and board; Travel, Research, Clerical Help, or Equipment and other expenses that are not required for enrollment.
It is the responsibility of the recipient to abide by IRS regulations. For more information, refer to IRS Publication 970.
If there are any questions, contact:
Tessa Baxter
Underground Construction Association of SME Scholarship
Membership Services Department
12999 E. Adam Aircraft Cir
Englewood, CO 80112
Phone: 303-948-4208
Fax: 303-948-4265
Email: baxter@smenet.org
IMPORTANT NOTE: All SME Scholarships require that a completed FERPA waiver be uploaded along with your application. Click HERE to download the required form.
