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At-Large Scholarship Application Instructions

The Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) Educational Trust is proud to provide scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students studying in the fields of geotechnical and foundation engineering and construction management. DFI is an industry association dedicated to the advancement of the design and construction of deep foundations. DFI recognizes that the future of our industry will depend upon our ability to encourage and engage promising young engineers to consider careers in the deep foundations industry.

The 2024 Application period is closed. The 2025 Application period will open Spring 2025.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be currently enrolled full-time (as defined by the applicant’s school) and pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree in civil or geotechnical engineering, an undergraduate degree in construction management, or other related deep foundations program, in any accredited college or university in the United States.
  • The minimum GPA is 3.0/4.0.
  • Students may be considered for subsequent awards if they provide evidence of continued advancement in studies of deep foundations technologies in accordance with the application requirements. Scholarships are not automatically renewed; a new application must be submitted annually by the scholarship deadline.

Scholarships are awarded based on standards that do not discriminate relative to the applicant’s race, color, religion, age, gender, orientation, nationality or ethnic origin. Consideration will be given to applicants with financial need.

Online Application Requirements:

  • Only one application is required. Applicant will be considered for all available At-Large scholarships.
  • Complete all items on application.

Required Documents: (to be uploaded with application):

  • Personal essay, no more than 500 words,  highlighting why the applicant chose to pursue a deep foundations- related career, extra-curricular activities, leadership capabilities, long term plans and goals, and any special financial need.
  • One-page résumé, including work experience, honors, activities and organizations.
  • One official transcript.
  • Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be completed by a faculty member at the applicant’s school.

Submission Requirements

  • The application and all supporting documentation must be submitted no later than May 15, 2024.
    Applications missing any of the required items will not be considered.
  • The DFI Educational Trust will notify all applicants of the result of their applications on or about July 19, 2024.
  • Applicants, as a condition of eligibility for being considered for a scholarship, must consent to their resume being posted on the DFI website for review by DFI members as potential employers.
  • Applicants may be required to participate in a personal telephone interview with a Trust Board member.
  • If selected as a recipient, as a condition of funding, applicant agrees to participate in a follow-up career survey that will be sent by the Trust at some point after the applicant’s graduation.

Awards

Several scholarships, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 each will be awarded in 2024.  Awards may be used for funding tuition, fees, books, and/or educational living expenses. 

Scholarship checks, payable to the students, will be sent in August 2024 after proof of enrollment and other required information is received by the DFI Educational Trust.

NOTE: PLEASE DIRECT ALL INQUIRIES/QUESTIONS BY EMAIL TO: SCHOLARSHIPS@DFI.ORG