Scholarships & Aid
There are many opportunities for scholarships and grants from generous individuals, foundations and organizations to help make affording your welding training & education a reality.
Executive Director’s Discretionary Scholarships
In addition to our established scholarship and financial aid offerings, the Industrial Arts Institute is proud to offer a limited number of Executive Director’s Discretionary Scholarships. These awards are granted on a case-by-case basis at the Executive Director’s discretion. They are intended to assist students who demonstrate exceptional need, strong dedication to their craft, or unique circumstances that align with IAI’s values and mission.
This opportunity has been made possible through the generosity and vision of donors who specifically expressed a desire to support flexible, mission-driven aid. Their commitment allows IAI to respond quickly and thoughtfully to the diverse financial realities and personal journeys of our student body.
No separate application is required for these scholarships. All incoming applications for admission and financial aid are reviewed holistically. Recipients will be contacted directly should they be selected for these awards.
We are deeply grateful to our donor community for their trust and continued investment in the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
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- Johnson Seitz-Lopez Family Skilled Trades Scholarship – $500
- GFWC Rogers City Area Civic League – Skilled Trades Scholarship (available to Onaway, Rogers City, and Posen individuals) – $1000
- The Lionel “Red” Mayville Memorial Endowment Grant – $1000
- The DeYoung Family; Harbor Park Self-Storage Trade Scholarship – $1000
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Applicants must apply for at least one of the Exclusive IAI scholarships listed below to be considered for the Executive Director’s Discretionary Scholarships. Eligible candidates will be thoughtfully reviewed, and recipients will be selected at the Executive Director’s discretion.
Scholarship & Aid Opportunities
Pulte Family Charitable Foundation (Exclusive IAI Scholarship)
Check out a summary report of the past scholarship recipients
Four scholarships of $9000 for each cohort
Deadlines
January Cohorts- Scholarship Packet due by or before December 1st of the previous year.
August Cohorts- Scholarship Packet due by or before June 1st of the same year.
Scholarship Requirements
The following documents must be uploaded to the Google link below
•Two (2) letters of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, community leader, or personal reference who is not a relative
•Resume including employment history, extracurricular activities, and community service
•Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or U.S. passport)
•Applicants 23 years old and younger must submit a copy of their high school transcript or college transcript reflecting a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Google link for scholarship questions and to upload required documents
Woods Charitable Trust Scholarship (Exclusive IAI Scholarship)
Check out a summary report of the past scholarship recipients
Four scholarships of $4500 for each cohort
Deadlines
January Cohorts – Scholarship Packet due by or before December 1st of the previous year.
August Cohorts- Scholarship Packet due by or before June 1st of the same year.
Scholarship Requirements
The following documents must be uploaded to the Google link below
•Two (2) letters of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, community leader, or personal reference who is not a relative
•Resume including employment history, extracurricular activities, and community service
•Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or U.S. passport)
•Applicants 23 years old and younger must submit a copy of their high school transcript or college transcript.
Google link for scholarship questions and to upload required documents
Baiardi Family Foundation Scholarship (Exclusive IAI Scholarship)
Check out a summary report of past scholarship recipients
One scholarship of $2500 for each cohort
Priority given to students from Northern Lower and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Deadlines
January Cohorts- Scholarship Packet due by or before December 1st of the previous year.
August Cohorts- Scholarship Packet due by or before June 1st of the same year.
Scholarship Requirements
The following documents must be uploaded to the Google link below
•One (1) letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, community leader, or a personal reference from a non-relative
•Resume including employment history, extracurricular activities, and community service
•Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or U.S. passport)
•Applicants 23 years old and younger must submit a copy of their high school transcript or college transcript
Google link for scholarship question and to upload required documents
RJ Industrial Recycling Scholarship (Exclusive IAI Scholarship)
gh Check out a summary report of past scholarship recipients
One scholarship of $5000 for each cohort
Deadlines
January Cohorts- Scholarship Packet due by or before December 1st of the previous year.
August Cohorts- Scholarship Packet due by or before June 1st of the same year.
Scholarship Requirements
The following documents must be uploaded to the Google link below
•One (1) letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, community leader, or a personal reference who is not a relative
•Resume including employment history, extracurricular activities, and community service
•Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or U.S. passport)
•Applicants 23 years old and younger must submit a copy of their high school transcript or college transcript.
Google link for scholarship questions and to upload required documents.
Noble Path Student Lending Program
Private Investor -Student Lending Program
To maintain our institutional independence, we do not accept federal student aid. Thus, we have developed a private investor-student lending program through gifts from generous donors that believe in the principles that define and exemplified the Industrial Arts Institute since its founding.
These supporters GIVE because they believe in our vision to build a professional trades workforce utilizing a training that develops skilled trades men and women with time-honored training that will connect talent to industry.
Students will need to fill out a form, but many families find that the Noble Path application and selection process is far simpler to complete and less invasive than other Lending Applications or Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) documents.
Annual Percentage Rate
3.5%
Loan Use
Tuition Only
Front Costs:
Minimum Down payment- 10% of the requested loan amount
Term of Contract
Co-signer required
Up to 60 months
Deferred interest until the 45th day after graduation
First payment becomes due on the 45th day after graduation
Application Deadlines
August Cohort- Application due by July 1st
January Cohort- Application due by January 1st
Martin D. & Patricia C. Jahn Welding Scholarship
This scholarship is available to students graduating from Cheboygan Area High School who are attending the Comprehensive Industrial Welding and Fabrication program at the Industrial Arts Institute. The Cheboygan County Community Foundation administers the scholarship, which is for $ 7,500.
Deadlines
January Cohorts – Scholarship Packet due by or before December 1st of the previous year.
August Cohorts- Scholarship Packet due by or before June 1st of the same year.
Scholarship Requirements
The following documents must be uploaded to the Google link below
•Two (2) letters of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, community leader, or personal reference who is not a relative
•Resume including employment history, extracurricular activities, and community service
•Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or U.S. passport)
•Applicants 23 years old and younger must submit a copy of their high school transcript or college transcript.
Google link for scholarship question and to upload required documents
Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan Scholarships
If you want to apply for the Community Foundation scholarships, you are in the right place! Click here to access the “AWARDSPRING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION” There are 70 different scholarship funds for students and adults who live in or have gone to school in Alcona, Al[pena, Montmorency and Presque Isle Counties.
Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation Scholarships
Since its founding more than 30 years ago, the Community Foundation has awarded nearly $1 million in scholarships to local students. These awards are made possible through the generosity of donors who have established scholarship funds with the Community Foundation, often in honor of a loved one or to support students from their alma mater or hometown.
Scholarship funds through the Community Foundation serve as an investment in our community’s future leadership and create a lasting impact on the lives of the scholarship recipients and the broader community.
DATES & DETAILS
Applications Due: March 2, 2026
Total Funding Available: $86,250
Total Scholarships Funds: 30
Last year, the Community Foundation awarded over $85,000 to 42 students across Emmet County pursuing a wide range of educational paths. The easy online application allows students to apply for all eligible scholarships at one time. Scholarship recipients will be announced at your school’s awards ceremony.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility and selection criteria vary by scholarship and may include financial need, academic excellence, community service, or the pursuit of fields of study, including trades.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Grant
WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Contact your local MI Works! Office for information on how you can apply for a WIOA Grant today.
For more information on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grant, visit https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/workforce-investment/adult
Veteran Benefits / GI Bill®
We are pleased to announce that Industrial Arts Institute is approved to train GI Bill® eligible students in our Comprehensive Industrial Welding Program.
Getting Started As A Student
Utilize the Veteran’s Financial Aid Shopping list to help calculate the cost of your education/training at IAI. Apply to determine your VA Education Benefits and apply to the Comprehensive Industrial Welding program at IAI. Then arrange an appointment with the Student Services department at IAI to provide your VA Form 2384- Notice of Basic Eligibility or Certificate of eligibility to
Veteran’s Financial Aid Shopping List
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
AWS Foundation Scholarships
The AWS Foundation awards over $1 million annually to help students achieve their dreams through education. If you are currently enrolled in a welding program or a related field, then consider applying for our scholarships. Scholarships are available for students attending trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. Regardless of who you are, where you’re from, or what you aspire to be, receiving an AWS Foundation scholarship can be the extra push that helps you fulfill your goals.
1) Welder Training Scholarships
The AWS Welder Training Scholarship is for students seeking training to become a welder in a program up to two years in length at a trade school, community college, or other facility providing welder training.
Each AWS District has twenty-five (25) $1,000 scholarships to award.
Applications are accepted year-round and selections are made on a rolling basis until the District awards the designated funds for the year.
2) District Scholarships
The deadline to apply for District, and Section is March 1st each year.
District Scholarships
A minimum of $10,000 is available in each of AWS’s 22 Districts for students pursuing a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. Scholarships typically range from $500 to $2,500+.
IAI / North Central Michigan College Partnership
the Federal Financial Aid Option
IAI / North Central Associates of Welding Student Enrollment Steps:
– Complete the Application for the Industrial Arts Institute COMPREHENSIVE INDUSTRIAL WELDING & FABRICATION courses online.
– Apply to NCMC’s Associate of Welding program.
– Complete your FAFSA using NCMC’s Federal Code – 002299.
– Each Semester that you are enrolled at IAI:
– You must contact NCMC Financial Aid Office to update and sign the Student Contractual Agreement Authorization Form.
– NCMC will calculate your financial aid for the semester based upon your concurrent enrollment at North Central and IAI.
– Financial Aid for students enrolled with IAI will be provided for the NCMC Fall and Winter semesters only:
– Fall Semester Dates = August – December
– Winter Semester Dates = January – June
Students who are using their financial aid funds to pay their IAI tuition balance will be responsible for paying IAI directly with those funds. NCMC does not send any of your financial aid to IAI on your behalf.
Contact Person:
Tammi Ward (989) 733-4369 tward@iaiworks.com
North Central Michigan College Contact Person:
Kristin Hathaway
Director of Financial Aid
North Central Michigan College
231-348-6698
Community Foundation Scholarship Funds
ESAB - Future Fabricators Program
Link to Learn More and Apply: ESAB Future Fabricators/ AWS Foundation Scholarships
ESAB’s Future Fabricators Scholarship Program in partnership with the American Welding Society
ESAB is proud to offer 12 $5,000 scholarships through the American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation. These scholarships provide access to financial support, so aspiring fabricators can pursue a career in welding worrying less about financial burden. The deadline for application is March 1, 2024.
These 12 scholarships are part of ESAB’s Future Fabricators program, which focuses on providing the programs, tools, and resources necessary to support the next generation of welders. The program also recognizes those industry leaders who are inspiring future welders, as well as aims to build partnerships with industry stakeholders to supply welding equipment to students in underserved schools.
TC Energy - Scholarships U.S.
Link to Apply: TC Energy – Scholarships U.S.
Application Deadline – Beginning of May | Award – End of July. Amount – up to $5,000 – Exact scholarship deadline available by following the scholarship link.
TC Energy is proud to help build strong communities, develop the next generation of community leaders and provide a skilled workforce for the energy industry across North America and in Michigan. Scholarships are awarded up to $5,000 in the areas of STEM, Trades, and Indigenous Legacy. STEM Scholarships will be awarded to students studying science, engineering, technology or math academic disciplines relevant to the energy industry. Trade Scholarships include concentrations in Electrical, Pipefitting, Welding, Heavy Equipment Servicing, Industrial Mechanics (millwrights), Precision Metal Fabrication, Plumbing, Carpentry and Automotive Servicing. In 2022 TC Energy awarded 806 scholarships across North America.
Horatio Alger National Career & Technical Scholarship Program
500 scholarships at up to $2,500 each
The Career & Technical Scholarship Program is funded through the generosity of Horatio Alger Association Members, Dennis R. Washington and Jim F. Dicke II. Scholarships are awarded to students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their lives who wish to pursue a career or technical education at an accredited non-profit post-secondary institution in the United States.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Have completed high school (or earned a high school equivalency credential)
- Cannot be taking pre-requisite courses and must be enrolled in your program
- Must be enrolled full-time by Fall 2022 to be eligible.
- Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a career or technical program (up to 2 years) at an accredited non-profit post-secondary institution in the United States
- Demonstrated critical financial need (must be eligible to receive the Federal Pell grant as determined by completion of the FAFSA)
- Demonstrated perseverance in overcoming adversity
- Be under the age of 35
- Be a United States citizen
Funds may be used for any costs associated with earning a degree/certificate including, but not limited to: tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation and other personal expenses. All scholarship funds are paid directly to the institution on behalf of the recipient.
Michigan Reconnect Skills Scholarship Program
The Michigan Skills Scholarship program is an opportunity to apply for up to a $1,500 state scholarship to help cover part of the tuition cost at a private training school or program if you are 25 years or older.
To be eligible for the Michigan Reconnect Skills Scholarship, you must:
- Be at least 25 years old when you apply
- Have lived in Michigan for a year or more
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have not yet completed a college degree (associates or bachelor’s)
- Choose an occupational field of study in business management, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, or information technology.
To receive the Skills Scholarship, you must:
- Apply online for the Michigan Skills Scholarship. The application takes less than five minutes to complete and can be done on a mobile phone.
- Apply to your eligible training provider – Industrial Arts Institute.
- Enroll and state classes. You must be in school at least half time and stay enrolled continuously through graduation.
Apply Online
Start Your Journey at IAI
Think a career in welding could be right for you? When you attend the Industrial Arts Institute, you will train with welding instructors with real-world, industry experience. They will provide expert support with the goal of producing workforce-ready employees with welding certifications and qualifications.