IEI Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Illinois Engineering Initiative

Overview
Illinois produces more engineering graduates than it keeps. Our universities rank among the best in the world, yet far too many graduates leave the state. At the same time, demand for engineers in Illinois will increase as current professionals retire. We created this scholarship to help close that gap by encouraging and supporting students who will build the state’s engineering workforce.

Our mission
To build and retain engineering talent in Illinois.

Why this matters
Keeping talent in-state strengthens local industry, creates jobs, and ensures the next generation of projects and infrastructure are led by engineers who live and work here. Scholarships are one practical way to support students while connecting them to Illinois employers and communities.

Goals
- Encourage and support the next generation of engineers.
- Help Illinois employers recruit and retain local talent.
- Provide tools and development opportunities for emerging engineering leaders.
- Reach out to underrepresented communities to broaden participation in engineering.

Who is eligible
- Must attend an Illinois university.
- Must be at least junior standing in an engineering program accredited by ABET.
- Students in engineering technology programs are not eligible. (Important note.)
- Must have at least a B average in courses that count toward the engineering degree.
- Must show evidence of financial need.

How to apply
Complete the attached application and needs analysis. In addition to those, submit the following items:
- Official transcripts of all college and university work (sent under separate cover).
- Two letters of reference — one should be from the department chair or a department faculty member; the other may be from a past employer or another character reference.
- A typewritten essay (200 words or fewer) describing your career goals as a professional engineer.

Final notes
If you meet these criteria, we encourage you to apply. This scholarship is designed to support students who intend to contribute to Illinois’s engineering community — thoughtful, committed applicants are exactly who we want to help.