The ACI Foundation is a non-profit subsidiary of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) that promotes progress, innovation, and collaboration in the concrete industry. The Foundation serves the industry by distributing fellowships and scholarships to high-potential students. The program annually awards 48 different fellowships and scholarships, targeting students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and a strong commitment to the concrete field. This comprehensive guide will detail the application process, ensuring you have all the facts necessary to secure funding for your advanced studies.
The ACI Foundation’s student awards include two primary categories: Scholarships and Fellowships. Scholarships provide an educational stipend of $5,000 USD, while Fellowships offer a higher stipend of $10,000 USD plus additional resources. Fellowship awards include paid travel and attendance fees for two ACI Concrete Conventions, a matched industry mentor, and often a mandatory summer internship. These financial awards are designed to cover expenses such as tuition, room and board, and books, reducing financial obstacles (lack of funding, stress over bills, time constraints) that often hinder academic focus.
To qualify for these prestigious awards, applicants must meet eligibility criteria centered on academic rigor and a focus on concrete. Eligible programs include concrete-related degree programs, such as Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, and Construction Management. You must be a full-time student during the entire award cycle, and Fellows must attend an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, or Mexico. A strong personal statement increases your chances of winning, allowing you to highlight achievements (concrete testing experience, student chapter leadership, relevant coursework) and demonstrate leadership capacity.
Types and Coverage
The ACI Foundation offers numerous awards, broadly categorized as Fellowships and Scholarships, which differ significantly in coverage and requirements.
| Award Type | Stipend Amount | Additional Benefits | Target Location (for Study) |
| Fellowship | $10,000 USD (some higher, up to $15,000) | Mandatory paid travel and attendance at two ACI Concrete Conventions, match with an industry mentor, and often a required summer internship. | Must attend an institution in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico (for most awards). |
| Scholarship | $5,000 USD (some paid in CAD) | Recognition in Concrete International magazine and on the website. | Open to international students globally unless a specific award is region-restricted. |
Coverage: The stipend is paid in two equal installments (Fall/Spring) and is intended to cover educational expenses such as tuition, room and board, books, and materials.
Eligible Programs
Applicants MUST BE a full-time student in a concrete-related degree program during the entire award term (typically Fall through Spring).
| Degree Level | Eligible Programs (Examples) |
| Undergraduate & Graduate | Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Concrete Science and Technology, Concrete Industry Management, Construction Engineering/Management, Materials Science, and Architecture (with concrete focus). |
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Eligibility Requirements
General Requirements
- Student Status: Must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited university or four-year college.
- Graduate Limit: Graduate applicants must not have exceeded their second year of a Master’s program or fourth year of a Ph.D. program.
- Language: Must be proficient in the English language.
Geographic Requirements
- Fellowships: Must attend an accredited institution in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico during the award cycle.
- Scholarships: Open to international students unless a specific scholarship is regionally restricted (e.g., to Canada or the Middle East).
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Application Process and Deadline (2026-2027 Cycle)
The application process is entirely online. Applicants are strongly advised to begin preparing their materials early, especially the endorsements.
| Item | Detail |
| Application Window | Typically opens July 1 of the year prior to the award. |
| Deadline | November 1 (at 11:59 p.m. EDT) each year. The deadline for the 2026-2027 cycle is typically November 1, 2025. |
Required Documents
All applicants must submit the following five required Documents:
- Application Form: Contact and educational information.
- Resume: Must be in English (Word or PDF format).
- 500-Word Essay: Discuss your interest in a long-term career in the concrete industry.
- Two Endorsements: Statements of evaluation. One endorser MUST be an active ACI member (non-student). The other should be a professor or employer.
- Official Transcripts: From all undergraduate and graduate programs attended. Must be in English or officially translated.
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ACI Foundation Fellowships & Scholarships Page
