If you are studying civil engineering, construction, structural engineering, concrete materials, or another concrete-related field, the ACI Foundation scholarships provides valuable financial support for students like you. This application is open.
The ACI Foundation offers scholarships and fellowships designed to support promising undergraduate and graduate students preparing for careers connected to the concrete industry.
This guide explains the ACI Foundation scholarships for 2027 application cycle, including what the award offers, eligibility requirements, application documents, and how to apply.
What Are the ACI Foundation Scholarships?
Scholarship Detail |
Information |
|---|---|
Scholarship Provider |
ACI Foundation |
Application Cycle |
2027–2028 |
Study Level |
Undergraduate and Graduate |
Field |
Concrete-related studies |
Scholarship Value |
Generally $5,000 USD |
Study Locations |
Depends on the specific award |
International Students |
Eligible for non-region-specific scholarships |
Application Opens |
July 1, 2026 |
Application Deadline |
November 1, 2026 |
Award Period |
Fall 2027 through Spring 2028 |
Application Method |
Online application |
Key Requirement |
Two endorsements, including one from an ACI member |
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) scholarships provides financial awards for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing full-time engineering studies related to the concrete industry.
The Foundation was established to support education, research, innovation, and the development of future professionals in the concrete industry.
Its student awards are therefore particularly relevant to students whose academic and career interests connect with concrete materials, construction, structural design, engineering, or related disciplines.
I wish to also point out that the ACI Foundation does not have one single scholarship with identical eligibility rules for every applicant. Instead, it offers several awards, and individual scholarships can have additional requirements.
So, before applying, you should check the requirements of the specific award that matches your academic program and career goals.
How Much Is the ACI Foundation Scholarship Worth?
A standard ACI Foundation scholarship provides a $5,000 educational stipend to the students.
The money can help with expenses connected to your education, including tuition, residence, books, and other academic materials.
However, applicants should not assume that every ACI Foundation student award has exactly the same value. The Foundation offers several scholarships and fellowships, and some awards have different benefits or regional eligibility requirements.
For example, ACI Foundation fellowships generally provide a $10,000 educational stipend, along with additional benefits such as travel support for ACI Concrete Conventions. These fellowships should therefore not be confused with the standard $5,000 scholarship awards.
If your main goal is to find funding for a concrete-related degree, it is worth reviewing both the scholarship and fellowship opportunities rather than searching only for the phrase “ACI Foundation Scholarship.”
Who Can Apply for ACI Foundation Scholarships?
The general ACI Foundation scholarship opportunity is intended for students pursuing a full-time studies in a concrete-related field.
Depending on the particular award, eligible applicants may be studying at undergraduate or graduate level.
Relevant areas can include:
- Civil engineering
- Structural engineering
- Construction
- Construction management
- Concrete materials
- Structural design
- Concrete technology
- Architecture with a relevant concrete focus
- Engineering research related to concrete
- Other fields directly connected to the concrete industry
The Foundation’s award listings show that individual scholarships can have more specific requirements. Some may be intended for undergraduate students, while others are specifically designed for graduate students or students in particular locations.
This means that being a civil engineering student alone does not automatically make you eligible for every ACI Foundation award. Your program, academic level, institution, location, and the requirements of the particular scholarship all matter.
Are International Students Eligible for ACI Foundation Scholarship?
Yes, international students can apply for ACI Foundation scholarships that are not restricted to a specific region.
This makes the program worth considering for students outside the United States and Canada who are pursuing an eligible concrete-related degree.
However, as an international applicant, you should pay close attention to the location restrictions attached to individual awards. Some ACI Foundation scholarships and student excellence awards are designed for specific countries or regions.
Meanwhile, if you are an international student comparing several funding opportunities, you may also want to explore broader university-based scholarships. For example, our guide to university scholarships for international students in Canada can help you identify additional funding opportunities if Canada is part of your study plans.
What Are the Main ACI Foundation Scholarship Requirements?
While requirements vary among individual awards, the Foundation identifies several important requirements for its student scholarship and fellowship applications.
1. You Must Be a Full-Time Student
Applicants must generally be enrolled as full-time students in a concrete-related degree program during the relevant award period.
For the 2027–2028 cycle, the award period covers the fall 2027 through spring 2028 academic year.
2. Your Degree Should Relate to Concrete
Your academic program needs to have a meaningful connection to the concrete industry.
The Foundation’s awards cover areas such as concrete design, construction, materials, education, and related fields.
If you are unsure whether your particular program qualifies, check the requirements of the individual award before submitting your application.
3. You Need Two Endorsements
One of the most important parts of the ACI Foundation application is the endorsement requirement.
Applicants must provide two endorsements, and one of the endorsers must be an ACI member.
Your endorsers cannot be family members or students.
Because the endorsement forms are submitted as part of the application process, it is sensible to contact potential endorsers well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final days.
4. You Need Academic Transcripts
Applicants must provide official transcripts from previously and currently attended universities or institutions.
The Foundation specifies that transcripts must be in English and adjusted to a 4.0 grading scale, with WES evaluations accepted.
Most importantly, do not leave this requirement until the last minute. The Foundation states that late transcripts will not be accepted.
5. You Need a Resume
A current resume is also part of the application requirements.
Your resume should make it easy for the selection committee to understand your academic background, relevant experience, leadership activities, research, internships, professional interests, and involvement in the concrete or construction field.
What Essay Do You Need for the ACI Foundation Scholarship?
Applicants are required to submit a 500-word essay describing their interest in a long-term career in the concrete industry.
This is an important part of the application because the scholarship is not simply about demonstrating financial need.
The Foundation’s student awards are intended to identify, attract, and develop professionals who can contribute to the future of the industry.
Your essay should therefore clearly connect your academic background with your future career plans.
Instead of simply writing that you “love engineering,” explain:
- What area of the concrete industry interests you
- How your current studies have prepared you
- What problems you want to solve
- What experience has influenced your career direction
- How your future work could contribute to the industry
A focused and specific essay is likely to communicate your career direction more effectively than a collection of generic statements.
Do You Need to Be an ACI Member to Apply?
You do not necessarily need to be an ACI member yourself to apply for the scholarship.
However, one of your two endorsers must be an ACI member.
This makes it important to identify a suitable ACI member early.
The Foundation’s application guidance notes that students can look for ACI members or relevant faculty connections through their institution and ACI networks. Students can also sign up for ACI membership where applicable.
If you are currently studying at a university with an ACI student chapter, that may be a useful place to start when looking for an appropriate endorser.
ACI Foundation Scholarships vs. ACI Foundation Fellowships
These two opportunities are easy to confuse because they are offered through the same Foundation.
The main difference is the type and level of support.
1. ACI Foundation Scholarships
The standard scholarships generally provide:
- $5,000 USD educational stipend
- Support toward educational expenses
- Recognition in Concrete International and on the ACI Foundation website
2. ACI Foundation Fellowships
Fellowships generally provide:
- $10,000 USD educational stipend
- Travel support connected to ACI Concrete Conventions
- Additional professional development opportunities depending on the fellowship
- Recognition through ACI Foundation and ACI channels
Some fellowships may also include an internship or industry-related mentoring opportunity.
If you have a strong interest in building a long-term career in concrete, it is worth reviewing both categories before deciding which awards to pursue.
What Documents Do You Need?
Before starting your application, prepare the following:
- Current resume
- 500-word career-interest essay
- Official transcripts
- Names and contact information for two endorsers
- Confirmation that at least one endorser is an ACI member
- Any additional information requested by the specific scholarship
Start gathering these documents early.
The transcripts and endorsements are particularly important because they may involve other people or institutions and therefore cannot always be completed instantly.
ACI Foundation Scholarships 2027–2028 Application Deadline
The application period for the 2027–2028 ACI Foundation scholarships and fellowships opened on July 1, 2026.
The deadline is: November 1, 2026.
Late applications will not be accepted.
The Foundation says applications are reviewed from approximately mid-November through early February. Fellowship finalists are expected to be notified in early February, while awardees are notified in early April following the spring convention.
Because the deadline is strict, applicants should avoid treating November 1 as the date to begin preparing their application.
How to Apply for ACI Foundation Scholarships in 2027
The application process is completed online through the ACI Foundation.
Step 1: Review the Available Awards
Start by examining the available ACI Foundation scholarships and fellowships.
Look beyond the general eligibility requirements and check the individual award description. This helps you identify scholarships that specifically match your degree, academic level, location, and career interests.
Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility
Make sure your program is concrete-related and that you will meet the full-time enrollment requirements during the 2027–2028 award period.
If you are an international student, confirm that the award you are targeting is not restricted to a particular country or region.
Step 3: Prepare Your Resume
Update your resume with your most relevant academic and professional achievements.
Prioritize information that demonstrates your connection to concrete, construction, engineering, research, leadership, or related activities.
Step 4: Write Your 500-Word Essay
Prepare an essay that explains your interest in a long-term career in the concrete industry.
Be specific about your goals and connect them to your academic experience.
Step 5: Secure Your Two Endorsers
Contact your potential endorsers before submitting the application.
Remember that:
- You need two endorsements.
- At least one endorser must be an ACI member.
- Endorsers cannot be students.
- Endorsers cannot be family members.
Give your endorsers enough time to respond before the application deadline.
Step 6: Request Your Official Transcripts
Contact every institution whose transcripts are required.
Do not assume that uploading a personal copy will satisfy the requirement. The Foundation’s current instructions require official transcripts and specify how they should be submitted.
Step 7: Submit the Online Application
Once your documents and endorsements are ready, complete the online application through the ACI Foundation.
Review everything carefully before submitting because late applications are not accepted.
How Competitive Are ACI Foundation Scholarships?
The ACI Foundation does not guarantee an award simply because an applicant meets the minimum eligibility requirements.
The Foundation describes its awards as supporting high-potential students and uses academic information, essays, endorsements, and other application materials in its selection process.
The number of available awards also varies by award cycle and category.
For that reason, applicants should treat the ACI Foundation scholarship as one part of a broader funding strategy rather than relying on it as their only source of financial support.
Students searching for additional undergraduate opportunities in the United States may also want to explore programs such as the American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, while students interested in another U.S. undergraduate opportunity can compare the Clark University Global Scholars Program
FAQs About ACI Foundation Scholarships
When does the ACI Foundation scholarship application open?
The 2027–2028 ACI Foundation scholarship and fellowship application opened on July 1, 2026.
What is the ACI Foundation scholarship deadline?
The stated deadline for the 2027–2028 cycle is November 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
How much does the ACI Foundation scholarship pay?
The standard ACI Foundation scholarship provides a $5,000 USD educational stipend. Some other ACI Foundation awards, such as fellowships, provide different benefits.
Can international students apply?
Yes. International students can apply for ACI Foundation scholarships that are not restricted to specific regions.
Do I need an ACI membership?
You do not necessarily need to be an ACI member yourself. However, one of your two required endorsers must be an ACI member.
Is the ACI Foundation scholarship fully funded?
No. The standard ACI Foundation scholarship is a $5,000 educational award, not a full-ride scholarship. Applicants should therefore consider other funding sources for remaining tuition and living expenses.
Can undergraduate students apply?
Yes. The ACI Foundation offers awards for both undergraduate and graduate students, although individual scholarships can have different eligibility requirements.
Can graduate students apply?
Yes. Graduate students pursuing eligible concrete-related programs can apply for applicable ACI Foundation scholarships and fellowships.
What essay is required?
Applicants must submit a 500-word essay describing their interest in a long-term career in the concrete industry.
Is the ACI Foundation Scholarship Right for You?
The ACI Foundation scholarships are specifically designed for students building academic and professional careers around the concrete industry.
For the 2027–2028 cycle, eligible undergraduate and graduate students can compete for educational funding while also becoming connected with an organization focused on advancing the concrete profession.
The opportunity is especially relevant if your studies involve civil engineering, structural design, construction, concrete materials, construction management, or another closely related field.
Before applying, carefully review the requirements of the specific award you intend to pursue. Pay particular attention to the concrete-related study requirement, full-time enrollment, official transcripts, 500-word essay, and the requirement for two endorsements, including one from an ACI member.
And most importantly, do not wait until the deadline to begin preparing.
Apply for ACI Foundation Scholarships 2027–2028
Ready to check the available awards and start your application?
Visit the official ACI Foundation Scholarships page to review the 2027–2028 opportunities and apply online.