[Skip to Content]
Menu

Scholarships

If you are passionate about pursuing a career in mining, we want to help you get there.

Each year the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) and the SME Foundation offer multiple scholarships to SME student members who demonstrate a desire for and probability of success in a career in the minerals industry. A list of available scholarships is provided below (scroll down to see all). Click the scholarship's name to view the full guidelines, requirements and application instructions.

Applications open September 1st and will close October 15th.

 

Apply Here

 

OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS IN ALL DEGREE PROGRAMS

Coal & Energy Division And John Sidney Marshall Memorial Scholarships

Coal, Mine Ventilation, Mining/Mineral Engineering

The Coal & Energy Division of SME annually awards scholarships to promising college students who have chosen as a career path the field of mining engineering with an emphasis on coal mining, coal processing, or other mining -related energy sources (including geothermal, oil sands, oil shales, coal bed/mine methane, uranium, unconventional oil sources through mining, etc.). Eligible students may submit one application in consideration for both the Coal & Energy Division Scholarship and the John Sidney Marshall Memorial Scholarship. The John Sidney Marshall Memorial Scholarship, funded by AIME, is administered by the Coal & Energy Division and awarded annually to one or more undergraduate mining engineering students planning to pursue careers in the coal mining industry.

John Sidney Marshall Memorial Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies in a mining engineering program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5/4.0. Here is the link for grade conversion https://www.admissions.iastate.edu/apply/gpa_calc.php
  2. Be an SME student member in good standing.
  3. Attend a mining engineering program that is ABET accredited.
  4. Attend a school that has an SME student chapter.
  5. Demonstrate a desire for and a probability of success in a career in coal mining, coal processing, or other mining-related energy sources.

Coal & Energy Division Scholarship Guidelines

Environmental Division & Veolia Water Technologies Scholarship

Environmental, Mining/Mineral Engineering

Environmental Division Scholarship applicants may be considered for a $2,000 scholarship sponsored by Veolia Water Technologies (Veolia). To be considered for the Veolia Scholarship, applicants must submit a short essay (approximately 250 words) explaining why water is an essential part of the mining process.

Veolia Water Technologies Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Have chosen a study program related to the field of mining and the environment.
  2. Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Here is the link for grade conversion https://www.admissions.iastate.edu/apply/gpa_calc.php
  3. Is an SME student Member in good standing.
  4. Attends a school that is (1) ABET accredited, (2) has an SME Student Chapter, or (3) offers a B.S., B.A., or M.S., or Ph.D. in Geological Sciences.
  5. Must submit a short essay (250 words) explaining why water is an essential part of the mining process.
  6. Short Statement (1 Page) describing your interest/passion for a career in mining and the environment.

Environmental Division & Veolia Water Technologies Scholarship Guidelines

Gerald V. Henderson Memorial Scholarship

Geology/Geological Sciences, Mining/Mineral Engineering, Industrial Minerals & Aggregates

The Gerald V. Henderson Memorial Scholarship (Henderson Scholarship) is open to undergraduate or graduate students who are pursuing degrees in geology, mining engineering or mineral economics with special interests in an industrial minerals and aggregates-oriented program.

Gerald V. Henderson Memorial Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.o scale. Here is the link for grade conversion https://www.admissions.iastate.edu/apply/gpa_calc.php
  2. Be an SME student member in good standing.
  3. Attend a school that is ABET accredited and/or has an SME student chapter.

Gerald V. Henderson Memorial Scholarship Guidelines

Health & Safety Division Scholarship

Health & Safety Division Scholarship

The Health & Safety Division of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Inc. annually awards one or more scholarships to promising students who are pursuing degrees in mining engineering, industrial health/hygiene, safety engineering or safety science, human factors, safety management, or another related field that has a special focus in mine health and safety. The scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Here is the link for grade conversion https://www.admissions.iastate.edu/apply/gpa_calc.php
  2. Is an SME student Member in good standing.
  3. Their school has an SME Student Chapter.
  4. Demonstrate a desire for and a probablility of success in a career that positively impacts mine health and safety.
  5. Short Statement (1 Page) describing your interest/passion for a career in mining and how that career might positively impacts mine health and safety.

Health & Safety Division Scholarship Guidelines

MMSA/SMEF Presidential Scholarships

Mining/Mineral Engineering

The Mining and Metallurgical Society of America and the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Foundation offer one significant scholarship (MMSA/SMEF Presidential Scholarship) on an annual basis to an outstanding student whose study program encompasses any aspect of the extractive minerals industry.

MMSA/SMEF Presidential Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Have completed at least three years of undergraduate studies with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. Here is the link for grade conversion https://www.admissions.iastate.edu/apply/gpa_calc.php
  2. Be an SME student member in good standing.
  3. Attend a school that is ABET accredited and/or has an SME student chapter.
  4. Demonstrate a desire for and a probability of success in a career in the minerals industry.

MMSA/SMEF Presidential Scholarships Guidelines

Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Division & Richard Klimpel Memorial Scholarship

Mineral & Metallurgical, Mineral Engineering

The Richard Klimpel/MPD Scholarships are open to undergraduate or graduate students to students interested in pursuing careers in the area of mineral and metallurgical processing

Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Division Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be an SME student member in good standing.
  2. Have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies.
  3. Must have minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8/4.0 scale. Here is the link for grade conversion https://www.admissions.iastate.edu/apply/gpa_calc.php
  4. Attend a school that is ABET accredited and/or has an SME student chapter.
  5. Demonstrate a desire for and a probability of success in a career in mineral/metallurgical processing.

Mineral & Metallurgical Processing Division Scholarship Guidelines

Robert E. Murray Innovation Scholarship

Innovation, Coal, Ventilation, Mining/Mineral Engineering

The Robert E. Murray Innovation Scholarship was established in 2017 to encourage undergraduates, graduates and researchers in the academic pursuits in implementing innovation that can change the mining industry through the inclusion or adaptation of cutting-edge technologies and innovative processes. The recipient will demonstrate an aptitude towards innovation or participated in an internship of an undergraduate project benefiting the mining industry. To submit an anonymous recommendation letter for a student, please email it to scholarships@smenet.org with the student's first and last name and the scholarship name as the file name.

Robert E. Murray Innovation Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies with a minimum cumulative GPA pf 3.0/4.0 grading system. Here is the link for grade conversion https://www.admissions.iastate.edu/apply/gpa_calc.php
  2. Be an SME student member in good standing.
  3. Attend a school that is ABET accredited and/or has an SME student chapter.
  4. Demonstrate a desire to pursue a career researching new technologies in academia or implementing new technologies in the mining industry.

Robert E. Murray Innovation Scholarship Guidelines

RETC Executive Committee Academic Scholarship

Underground Construction & Tunneling

The Rapid Excavation & Tunneling Conference (RETC) of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration annually awards one or more scholarships to promising college students who desire to develop their skills in the tunneling industry. The total amount of the award (approximately $5,000) is apportioned to one or more students at the discretion of the RETC Executive Committee.

Also receives:

  • RETC or NAT Conference Registration
  • Round-trip airfare to the Conference
  • Hotel Accommodations at the conference hotel
  • Conference Proceedings
  • Social Function Tickets
  • $200 stipend for miscellaneous cash needs

Recipients are responsible for their own ground transportation and for any other expenses, including meals, other than the social functions provided.

Documentation Information:To submit an anonymous recommendation letter, please have your letter writers send a pdf of the letter and labeled Ltr Prof or Ltr Ind and Applicants last name, first initial. In the email please state what scholarship the letter is for.

RETC Executive Committee Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Completed at least two years of undergraduate studies with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  2. Be enrolled in a program of study in an applicable field of engineering (civil, mechanical, mining, electrical, geological) or construction management.
  3. Be a U.S., Canadian, or other NAFTA country citizen.
  4. Must submit a short essay addressing the applicant's desire for a career in the tunneling industry.

Academic Scholarship Guidelines

UNDERGRADUATE ONLY

Ernest K. Lehmann Memorial Scholarship

Geology/Geological Sciences, Mining/Mineral Engineering

The Ernest K. Lehmann Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to one or more students pursuing an undergraduate degree in geology or geological sciences.

Ernest K. Lehmann Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Here is the link for grade conversion https://www.admissions.iastate.edu/apply/gpa_calc.php
  2. Be an SME student member in good standing.
  3. Either (1) attend a university that holds general accreditation for its geology program, or (2) belong to an SME Student Chapter.
  4. Pursuing an undergraduate degree in geology or geological sciences.
  5. Preference will be given, but is not limited, to eligible applicants with personal connections to MN.

Ernest K. Lehmann Memorial Guidelines

George V. Weisdack Memorial Scholarship

Coal, Ventilation, Mining/Mineral Engineering

The George V. Weisdack Memorial Scholarship (Weisdack Scholarship) was established in 2011 by James W. Boyd, Chairman of John T. Boyd Company, and the Pittsburgh Section of SME (SME Pittsburgh) for promising college students to continue their education in mining engineering, mineral engineering and mineral, ore and coal processing in memory of George V. Weisdack. The Weisdack Scholarship is awarded annually to a student pursuing an undergraduate degree in mining engineering, mineral engineering and mineral, ore and coal processing.

George V. Weisdack Memorial Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Here is the link for grade conversion https://www.admissions.iastate.edu/apply/gpa_calc.php
  2. Be an SME student member in good standing.
  3. Attend a school that is ABET accredited and pursuing a degree in mining engineering, minerals engineering, mineral, ore or coal processing leading to a B.S. degree in these fields.
  4. Preference will be given to applicants attending accredited programs in colleges and universities located within the boundaries of SME Pittsburgh.
  5. Part-time students and students in cooperative programs are eligible to apply
  6. Must be a U.S. Citizen at the time of application.

George V. Weisdack Memorial Scholarship Guidelines

J. H. Fletcher & Company Scholarship

Industrial Minerals & Aggregates, Mining/Mineral Engineering, Underground Construction & Tunneling

The J.H. Fletcher & Co. Scholarship is awarded annually to up to two students pursuing an undergraduate degree in mining or minerals engineering, with a desire to use their skills to apply technology to underground mine planning, operations, or maintenance. 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.

J.H. Fletcher & Co. Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0. Here is the link for grade conversion https://www.admissions.iastate.edu/apply/gpa_calc.php
  2. Be an SME student member in good standing.
  3. Enrolled in a degree program that is ABET accredited and/or has an SME Student Chapter.
  4. Demonstrate a desire for and a probability of success in a career in underground mining.

J.H. Fletcher & Co. Scholarship Guidelines

Mining & Exploration Division And Eugene P. Pfleider Memorial Scholarships

Geology/Geological Sciences, Mining/Mineral Engineering, Underground Construction & Tunneling, Environmental

The Eugene P. Pfleider Memorial Scholarship is administered by the Mining & Exploration Division and is awarded on an annual basis to students pursuing careers in mining engineering.

Eugene P. Pfleider Memorial Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Here is the link for grade conversion https://www.admissions.iastate.edu/apply/gpa_calc.php
  2. Be an SME student member in good standing.
  3. Attend a school that is ABET accredited and/or has an SME student chapter.

Mining & Exploration Division And Eugene P. Pfleider Memorial Scholarship Guidelines

Stantec/McIntosh Engineering Scholarship

Mining/Mineral Engineering, Underground Construction & Tunneling

The Stantec/McIntosh Engineering Scholarship is awarded annually to up to six promising undergraduate students entering their junior year of an accredited undergraduate degree program in mining engineering with a focus on underground mining.

Stantec/McIntosh Engineering Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Here is the link for grade conversion https://www.admissions.iastate.edu/apply/gpa_calc.php
  2. Be an SME student member in good standing.
  3. Enrolled in a degree program that is ABET accredited and/or has an SME Student Chapter.
  4. Demonstrate a desire for and a probability of success in a career in underground mining.

Stantec/McIntosh Engineering Scholarship Guidelines

Rapid Excavation In Tunneling Conference Attendance Scholarships

Underground Construction & Tunneling

The Rapid Excavation and Tunneling Conference (RETC) is a biennial international conference dedicated to the exchange of new developments in the technology of underground rapid excavation and tunneling on a global scale. The RETC Attendance Award provides selected students with an opportunity to attend the RETC or NAT Conference. Applicants must be full-time freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate students with a designated major in an applicable field of engineering (civil, mechanical, mining, electrical, geological) or construction management. Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in the underground industry.

Up to 12 recipients will be selected. Each recipient will receive:

  • RETC or NAT Conference Registration
  • Round-trip airfare to Conference
  • Hotel Accommodations at the conference hotel
  • Conference Proceedings
  • Social Function Tickets
  • $200 stipend for miscellaneous cash needs

Recipients are responsible for their own ground transportation and for any other expenses, including meals, other than the social functions provided.

Documentation InformationTo submit an anonymous recommendation letter, please have your letter writers send a pdf of the letter and labeled Ltr Prof or Ltr Ind and Applicants last name, first initial. In the email please state what scholarship the letter is for.

RETC Attendance Award applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be a full-time freshman, sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student.
  2. Must have a designated major in an applicable field of engineering (civil, mechanical, mining, electrical, geological) or construction management.
  3. Applicants must have demonstrated an interest in the underground industry.

Conference Attendance Scholarship Guidelines

Conference Attendance Scholarships (For Attendance To The Summer Tunneling Conference)

Underground Construction & Tunneling

UCA Young Members (UCAYM) Scholarship provides selected students with an opportunity to attend the NAT or RETC Conference in the same year. UCA of SME Young Members (UCAYM) Scholarship for RETC Attendance provides selected students with an opportunity to attend the RETC Conference where they can experience first hand the challenges, opportunities and rewards of a career in the field of tunneling and underground construction.

UCA Young Member Scholarship for RETC Attendance include:

  • Conference registration A one-year student membership to UCA of SME
  • An invitation to the UCAYM Networking Event and the Scholarship
  • Orientation at the conference
  • Conference Proceedings
  • Valuable opportunities to network with industry experts and potential employers
  • A $1,000 issued to you for attending the conference.

All applicants for the UCAYM Scholarships for RETC Attendance must meet the following criteria:

  1. Graduate student or undergraduate having completed at least two years of undergraduate studies with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
  2. Attend a school that is ABET-accredited.
  3. Pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD degree in Tunneling, Civil, Geological, Mining, or Mechanical Engineering.
  4. Demonstrate a desire for and a probabili ty of success in a career in underground construction/tunneling.

Conference Attendance Scholarship Guidelines

GRADUATE ONLY

Henry DeWitt Smith Graduate Scholarship

Mining/Mineral Engineering

The Henry DeWitt Smith Graduate Scholarship (Smith Scholarship) was established in 1967 to assist worthy students in the pursuit of their graduate education in the mining, metallurgical, materials, or petroleum departments of leading universities and colleges in the United States and Canada.

Henry DeWitt Smith Graduate Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Have completed an undergraduate degree in mining engineering with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Here is the link for grade conversion https://www.admissions.iastate.edu/apply/gpa_calc.php
  2. Must be a graduate student in good standing as an SME member.
  3. Attend a school that is ABET accredited and/or has an SME student chapter.
  4. Demonstrate a desire for and a probability of success in a career in the mining industry.

Henry DeWitt Smith Graduate Scholarship Guidelines

Mine Ventilation Scholarship

Coal, Mine Ventilation, Underground Construction & Tunneling

The Scholarship (Mine Ventilation Scholarship) was established in 2014 by the SME Underground Ventilation Committee in honor of Dr. Malcolm J. McPherson, John R Marks and Dr. Rudolf Greuer, all world renowned ventilation experts; and all other ventilation engineers who have given their careers to the improvement of mine ventilation. The SME Underground Ventilation Committees gives this scholarship to improve the mine ventilation profession through education of mining engineers ultimately improving the safety and health of underground miners. The Scholarship is awarded annually to one or more students pursuing a graduate degree in mining or minerals engineering, with a desire to use their skills to apply mine ventilation technology to improve the safety and health in the underground mining environment.

Mine Ventilation Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be an SME student member or SME member in good standing.
  2. Attend a graduate level program (full or part time) with an undergraduate program that is ABET accredited.
  3. Has a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. A first semester graduate student will be evaluated on their undergraduate GPA. Beyond the first semester the GPA will be based on graduate studies. Here is the link for grade conversion https://www.admissions.iastate.edu/apply/gpa_calc.php
  4. The scholarship is open to foreign students in U. S. Universities.

Mine Ventilation Scholarship Guidelines

Raja V. and Geetha V. Ramani Graduate Scholarship Award

Mining/Mineral Processing, Geological Engineering, Engineering

The Ramani Graduate Students Award was established to provide support for one or more, outstanding graduate students pursuing an MS or a PhD degree in their thesis writing (Ramani Thesis Writing Award) Traveling to the SME Annual Conference 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.

Applications for the Ramani Thesis Writing Award should contain the following information:

  1. Completed nomination form including demographic and contact information for both the nominee and the principal nominator, and the reasons for nomination. Preferred nominations are from professors for their student(s).
  2. Two letters of support from faculty-members familiar with nominee’s work, may include nominator.
  3. Provide abstract of proposed thesis and timeline for completion. (Minimum of 2 pages, maximum of 3-pages.)
  4. Nominee’s C/V resume (2-page maximum).

Raja V. and Geetha V. Ramani Graduate Scholarship Award Guidelines

Rong Yu Wan Ph.D. Dissertation Scholarship In Metallurgical Engineering

Mineral & Metallurgical, Mineral Engineering

The Rong Yu Wan Ph.D. Dissertation Scholarship was created as a tribute to the life and work of Dr. Rong Yu Wan, an internationally renowned metallurgist who made many important contributions in the field of metallurgical engineering and also tirelessly mentored many young scientists and students. It is presented to a recent Ph.D. recipient for outstanding dissertation research in the general area of metallurgical engineering, including mineral processing, hydrometallurgy and extractive metallurgy.

Dr. Rong Yu Wan (1932-2009) was an internationally renowned metallurgist and 22-year member of SME. During her career, Dr. Wan not only made many important contributions in the field of metallurgical engineering but also tirelessly mentored many young scientists and students. The Rong Yu Wan Ph.D. Dissertation Scholarship will be presented annually to a recent Ph.D. recipient for outstanding dissertation research in the general area of metallurgical engineering (that is, mineral processing, hydrometallurgy or extractive metallurgy, etc.)

Rong Yu Wan Ph.D. Dissertation Scholarship in Metallurgical Engineering applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Have completed all of their Ph.D. degree requirements within the previous 12 months.
  2. Must be a graduate student in good standing as an SME member.
  3. Attend a school that is ABET accredited and/or has an SME student chapter.
  4. Demonstrate a desire for and a probability of success in a career in metallurgical engineering.

Rong Yu Wan Ph.D. Dissertation Scholarship Guidelines

Steven C. Potter Scholarship

Geology/Geological Sciences

Steven C. Potter was a well-respected, well-liked, and highly successful economic geologist who worked his entire career in pursuit of discoveries, largely across North and South America, for companies such as Ranchers Development, Homestake, Bear Creek Mining, Kennecott Exploration, and BHP Billiton, in addition to several successful junior exploration groups. The Steven C. Potter Scholarship (Potter Scholarship) is to be awarded annually to a graduate student who is an SME student member, and whose thesis is directed toward furthering the understanding of ore deposit systems and their formation, geologic mapping and analysis of an ore deposit or mining district, or developing concepts or tools that may be used in economic geology or exploration.

Steven C. Potter Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Must be a graduate student in good standing as an SME member.
  2. Demonstrate a desire for and a probability of success in career in the minerals industry.
  3. Be enrolled in a minerals-related program or a recognized geology program, offering courses in economic geology or mining geology.
  4. Submit a short statement (one page) describing applicant's interest in and passion for exploration geology.

Steven C. Potter Scholarship Guidelines

Stewart R. Wallace Memorial Scholarship

Geology/Geological Sciences

The Stewart R. Wallace Memorial Scholarship (Wallace Scholarship) was founded in 2011 through a generous contribution from the estate of Stewart R. Wallace. The Wallace Scholarship is awarded annually to a master’s degree candidate in geology or geological science who plans to pursue a career in the field of exploration geology.

Stewart R. Wallace Memorial Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Have completed an undergraduate degree in geology or mining engineering with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Here is the link for grade conversion https://www.admissions.iastate.edu/apply/gpa_calc.php
  2. Must be a graduate student in good standing as an SME member.
  3. Attend a school that is ABET accredited and/or has an SME student chapter.
  4. Demonstrate a desire for and a probability of success in career in exploration geology.

Stewart R. Wallace Memorial Scholarship Guidelines

Syd S. and Felicia F. Peng Ground Control In Mining Scholarship

Ground Control, Coal, Ventilation

The Syd S. and Felicia F. Peng Ground Control in Mining Scholarship (Peng Scholarship) was established in 2009 to promote the science of ground control.

Syd S. and Felicia F. Peng Ground Control in Mining Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be studying mining engineering or an equivalent degree and have a research topic related to a ground control issue.
  2. Be an SME student member in good standing.
  3. Attend a school that is ABET accredited and/or has an SME student chapter.
  4. Be a U.S. Citizen. Non-U.S. citizens may be considered.
  5. Demonstrate a desire for and a probability of success in career in the minerals industry.

Syd S. and Felicia F. Peng Ground Control in Mining Scholarship Guidelines