Engineers Foundation of Wisconsin College Freshman Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Engineers Foundation of Wisconsin
Introduction
Since 1981 the Engineers Foundation of Wisconsin (EFW) has supported exceptional high school students who plan to pursue engineering as a profession. Funded by the Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers (WSPE), the foundation provides annual scholarships that recognize academic performance, community service, extracurricular involvement, and demonstrated financial need.
Namesake
The Louis C. Geiger Scholarship honors Louis C. Geiger, who served as WSPE President in 1968 and played a key role in advancing the engineering profession and the High School Students Awards Program.
Scholarships Offered
- EFW College Freshman Scholarships (for current high school seniors)
- The Engineering Foundation of Wisconsin Scholarship
Specific Awards and Amounts
- Louis C. Geiger Scholarship: three awards of $3,000 each.
- Terry Ni Engineering Scholarship: between 1 and 6 awards, each at a minimum of $3,000 (more information: http://www.tnscholarship.org).
- Robert G. Cooper Scholarship: one award of $3,000.
- Harold D. Kobbervig Memorial Scholarship: typically 3 to 6 awards ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 each — restricted to students from high schools in Racine, Kenosha, and Walworth counties.
In addition, local WSPE chapters may present other scholarships to students within their geographic regions.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be a high school senior planning to enter a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology program that is ABET-accredited.
- Intend to pursue a professional engineering career after graduation.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.
- Have an ACT composite score of 26 or higher.
- Note: Computer Science majors are not eligible.
Award Details
- Scholarships are one-time awards to the most qualified applicants who meet eligibility criteria.
- NSPE-WI statewide may award up to 14 scholarships at a minimum of $3,000 each. The Terry Ni Scholarship can fund 1–6 awards (minimum $3,000 each). Local NSPE-WI chapters may also make awards.
- Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the recipient’s college financial office after the recipient’s enrollment has been confirmed.
- Some WSPE chapters may conduct interviews as part of their selection process.
- Winners’ high schools will receive direct email notification; official selections will be posted at http://www.wspe.org/scholarships.
Required Documents — LABEL AND ATTACH TO THIS APPLICATION FORM
1. High school transcript (unofficial transcript is acceptable). Include senior year class schedule/lists.
2. ACT score printout.
3. Background summary (beginning with high school): one page, bulleted format, black 12‑point Arial font, 1.5 line spacing. Include:
- Extracurricular activities and leadership roles (submit your top 8; list hours for each activity and the total hours of all activities).
- Academic honors and awards (top 5; exclude sports/extracurricular titles).
- Work experience during the school year and summers (include paid hours worked, brief description of duties, and total hours worked).
- Volunteer/civic/community activities (top 5; include hours, brief description of duties, and total hours).
4. Essay: word-processed, black 12‑point Arial font, single-spaced, maximum 400 words. The essay must address all of the following:
- Your intended engineering field of interest and your top two college choices.
- Why you want to pursue a career in engineering.
- Your vision of a successful career path.
Important: Use of artificial intelligence tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Co‑Pilot, Gemini, etc.) to prepare the essay is prohibited.
Authorization to Release Information
By signing the application, you certify that the information provided is true and complete to the best of your knowledge. You also authorize NSPE‑WI to publish your name and award information in NSPE‑WI publications, on the website, and at NSPE‑WI‑sponsored events.