Grants and Scholarships

Funding the Workforce of the Future

At Miller, we’re dedicated to the success of the welding profession, and that begins with supporting the next generation of welders.

Scholarship and grant opportunities give those interested in welding a chance to finance opportunities to learn the trade and work toward a degree that will ultimately help grow the welding workforce. We will help empower you during the search and application process because we are focused on more than just building welding products — we want to help build livelihoods for people, too.

Steps for Applying to a Grant

Applying for grants shouldn’t be intimidating. You’ve got this — and these steps will help prepare you for the process. Download the guide [PDF] for more details, tricks, and tips for grant applications.

Step 1

Finding a Grant

As you find potential grants/funders:

Examine Programs
Examine their grant programs. Look at what types of activities they fund, their stated purpose, their preferred method of contact, and their grant cycles. Check their history of giving to projects and organizations like yours.
Review Deadlines
Review the grant deadlines as they are often strict and unyielding. Late applications will likely eliminate your chance at funding for that cycle.
Understand Requirements
Be sure you know all that is required of your organization before applying for grant funds.
Reach Out
Contact the funding agency to let them know of your interest, to ask questions, and for possible feedback. Contacting a funder is an opportunity to gain “between the lines” information and a competitive advantage. It helps you decide if it is worthwhile to apply for a grant and, if so, how to shape your application in order to win an award.

Step 2

Plan and Develop the Application

Most successful grant applications take more time to prepare than to write.

Gather Data
Collect reliable data and statistics that support your understanding of your project's need or problem. National data websites such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics are listed in the Resources section.

Other Grant Resources

American Welding Society

US Census Bureau

Bureau of Labor Statistics

General Nonprofit Advancement

Citations in Grant Application

NAICS Codes

UW-Madison Library Research Guide for Grant Proposal Writing

Federal Grant Opportunities
Grants.gov

State Grant Opportunities
Perkins Collaborative Resource Network

U.S. Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Economic Development Directory

Workforce Investment Boards

Assign Responsibility
Recruit and assign tasks to those who can help you with the budget, proofreading, obtaining letters of support from partners, etc.
Identify and recruit any necessary external grant partners and ask for written commitments.
Plan for Measurement
Be specific and realistic about the results you can deliver and how you will measure their impact on your project and on the problem.

Step 3

Write and Edit the Application

Once you have clarified most of the project details, create a draft of the application.

Read Instructions
Each grant funder has its own instructions and requirements, so be sure to read all the directions before you begin. The number one reason a grant application is declined is that the applicant did not follow the instructions.
Customize the Application
As you write your application, tailor your language to the funder's perspective and show how your project can address their concerns and meet their needs.
Choose words and phrases that convey you understand and appreciate the funder’s point of view. Avoid jargon and spell out all acronyms when used initially.

Step 4

Submit the Application

Submit the application to the funder on or before the deadline in the required manner.

Scholarships

Scholarships are an important source of financial assistance, but many prospective welders don’t know they exist. Bringing a greater awareness to what’s available will help students jump-start their careers.

American Welding Society
The American Welding Society (AWS) has been supporting the welding profession for over 100 years. It’s their mission to provide tools to help their members succeed, while also inspiring future welding professionals.

Available Miller Sponsored Scholarships
Miller Electric Mfg. Co. National Scholarship
Mike & Joan Krupnicki / Miller Electric Scholarship
Mobile WESCO & Miller Electric Scholarship
Norco & Miller Electric UBTech Scholarship
Dalton Nolan Van Memorial Scholarship

Apply at AWS

Meet Miller Scholarship Recipients

Jeanine B.
Ferris State University

"With the help of this scholarship, I will be able to focus more time and energy on my academics and personal growth, and less time worrying about the financial aspect of college"
Jensen B.
University of Central Florida

"My scholarship greatly lightened my financial burden. I could focus more on my schoolwork and take more time to learn about advanced concepts in mechanical engineering. I hope to one day help other students achieve their goals in the way that you have helped me."
Tyler D.
Uintah Basin Technical College

"I am super excited to continue my welding courses with you guy backing me up and hope for bright things in my future."
Lon G.
Uintah Basin Technical College

"It is an honor to be able to get help from you with my schooling, with this training I will be able to make a difference in the community and be able to support my family and myself better."
Kanyon S.
Ferris State University

"Thank you again for your generosity. Looking back on my time at Ferris State University, I can honestly say that scholarships like this have made a significant positive impact on me, my education, and others."