SME Foundation scholarships will open Sept 1 for applications

The SME Foundation (SMEF) remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting student members in the pursuit of their educational and professional aspirations. Each year, the SMEF awards multiple scholarships to individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, passion, and potential for success within the minerals industry. At the MINEXCHANGE 2026 SME Annual Conference & Expo, held in Salt Lake City, UT, the SMEF awarded 29 scholarships, totaling $146,500. All recipients were formally recognized at the 2026 SME Foundation Gala Dinner. All available SME Foundation Scholarships are listed below: MMSA/SME Presidential Scholarship — The Mining and Metallurgical Society of America and SME offer one or more scholarships to outstanding students whose study program encompasses any aspect of the extractive minerals industry. Up to two $5,000 scholarships may be awarded. Syd S. and Felicia F. Peng Ground Control in Mining Scholarship — An undergraduate and/or graduate scholarship(s) is awarded annually to encourage the development of ground control engineers and to promote the science of ground control. Up to 14 scholarships will be awarded at $5,000 each. J. H. Fletcher & Co. Underground Mining Scholarship — This scholarship is awarded to students pursuing an undergraduate degree in mining or minerals engineering, with a desire to use their skills to apply technology to improve safety and productivity in underground mining. Students pursuing degrees in mechanical or electrical engineering may also be considered if they are minoring in mining engineering or show a strong desire for a career in the underground mining industry. Up to two $6,000 scholarships will be awarded. Eligible recipients may apply for a second year of funding. Stantec/McIntosh Engineering Scholarship — A $5,000 scholarship is awarded to one promising undergraduate student entering their junior or senior year of an accredited undergraduate degree program in mining engineering with a focus on underground mining. Ernest K. Lehmann Memorial Scholarship — This scholarship was established in 2014 by the Lehmann Family Fund of the Saint Paul Foundation and the Minnesota Section of SME in memory of Ernest K. Lehmann. The Lehmann Scholarship is awarded annually to students pursuing an undergraduate degree in geology, geological sciences or Earth sciences. Applicants must have completed their sophomore year of studies at the time of application. One $7,500 scholarship will be awarded. Eligible recipients may apply for a second year of funding. George V. Weisdack Memorial Scholarship — This scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing an undergraduate degree in mining engineering, mineral engineering and mineral, ore and coal processing. Applicants must have completed their freshman year of studies at the time of application and have elected or be enrolled in coursework leading to a degree in the above disciplines. One $4,000 scholarship will be awarded. Eligible recipients may apply for a second year of funding. The Raja V. and Geetha V. Ramani Graduate Students Award — This scholarship was established in 2016 to provide support for one or more outstanding graduate students who are pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in their thesis writing (Ramani Thesis Writing Award) or traveling to the MINEXCHANGE SME Annual Conference & Expo to present papers based on their thesis (Ramani Travel Award). Nominees must be enrolled in the graduate study program in mining, mineral processing, geological engineering or other similar engineering fields at the time of nomination and be a student member of SME. The Thesis Writing Award recipient will receive $4,500, which includes up to $3,000 in travel expenses. The Travel Award recipient will receive $3,000. Applications for SME and SMEF Scholarships must be submitted online beginning Sept. 1, 2026. The application deadline is Oct. 15, 2026, after which submissions will no longer be accepted. Applications that are incomplete or fail to meet the minimum eligibility requirements will not be considered. Visit https://www.smenet.org/scholarships for comprehensive information on scholarship opportunities, eligibility criteria and renewal guidelines.

SME Foundation scholarships will open Sept 1 for applications

Authored by: Lorie Laesig

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