USA Scholarships
Chapter 23 Quad Cities Scholarship 2027
The Chapter 23 Quad Cities Scholarship is a bi-state fund inside the SME Education Foundation portfolio for students tied to the Iowa-Illinois Quad Cities manufacturing community. High school seniors and undergraduates pursuing a bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing technology, or integrated manufacturing systems at an accredited Iowa or Illinois college can compete for a merit award directories list at about $1,000. Reviewers look for a 2.5 GPA and apply a published preference order favoring SME members and their families, then residents who live and study in Iowa or Illinois. You file one application at scholarships.smeef.org during the annual November-through-February window.
What is the Chapter 23 Quad Cities Scholarship?
Chapter 23 Quad Cities Scholarship anchors SME Education Foundation giving in the Iowa-Illinois river cities where agriculture equipment, defense suppliers, and precision machine shops share the same labor pool. The fund backs bachelor's students in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, and related technology majors at accredited colleges on either side of the Mississippi.
You still file once at scholarships.smeef.org. When your state, major, and degree level match, the portal adds your file to the Chapter 23 pool and any other SME funds you fit. High school seniors planning fall enrollment count, so start the application before graduation paperwork piles up.
Preference is layered, not exclusive. SME families and chapter members get the first look, then Iowa and Illinois residents who attend in-state schools. If you lack family ties, you can still win on a clear manufacturing story and a solid 2.5-plus GPA, because preference breaks ties rather than acting as a hard wall.
Plan backward from 1 February 2027. Register in the fall and confirm your major code inside the portal. For another bi-state SME pattern, read the Chapter 17 St. Louis Scholarship guide, or the SME Education Foundation Scholarship guide for national awards.
Eligibility
-
✓Bachelor's degree in an eligible manufacturing fieldEligible majors include manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing technology, integrated manufacturing systems, and closely related programs as defined in SME Education Foundation materials.
-
✓College in Iowa or IllinoisYou must attend an accredited college or university in Iowa or Illinois for the upcoming fall term. Entering freshmen and current undergraduates both qualify when they meet major rules.
-
✓Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPAApplicants need an overall GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. High school seniors should meet the threshold on their transcript used for admission.
-
✓High school senior or undergraduateGraduating high school seniors planning a bachelor's path qualify, as do sophomores, juniors, and seniors already enrolled in an eligible program.
-
✓U.S. or Canadian citizenship or eligible residencyStandard SMEEF rules require U.S. or Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or an eligible student visa, plus a permanent address in the United States or Canada.
-
✓SME family and residency preferenceFirst preference goes to active SME Student Chapter members, SME members, or children, grandchildren, or stepchildren of registered SME members. Further preference tiers favor Iowa and Illinois residents and students attending schools in those states.
Benefits
- Typical award amount About $1,000
- Allowed uses Tuition, fees, or books
- Application path Single SME Education Foundation form
- Renewability Reapply each year unless renewed in portal
- Room and board Not a separate housing grant
Document checklist
-
✓SME Education Foundation online applicationComplete the shared form at scholarships.smeef.org when the 2027-2028 cycle opens. One submission considers you for Chapter 23 Quad Cities and all other eligible SME funds.
-
✓Official or current transcriptProvide high school or college transcripts proving a 2.5 cumulative GPA and enrollment or admission at an Iowa or Illinois institution.
-
✓Personal statementDescribe why you chose your major, education and career objectives, and how SME support helps you reach them. Mention Quad Cities co-ops or family manufacturing ties when relevant.
-
✓ResumeList CAD projects, robotics activity, co-ops, and SME Student Chapter roles that show commitment to manufacturing.
-
✓Recommendation letterSubmit at least one letter from faculty or an industry mentor who can speak to your academic performance and shop-floor potential.
-
✓SME membership documentationIf you qualify for first preference through a parent or grandparent SME membership, note member name and chapter in the application.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the Chapter 23 Quad Cities Scholarship?
It is an SME Education Foundation fund sponsored by SME Chapter 23 for students pursuing bachelor's degrees in manufacturing-related fields at colleges in Iowa or Illinois. High school seniors and undergraduates may apply through the shared SME portal.
Do I have to live in the Quad Cities for this scholarship?
You must study at an Iowa or Illinois college, and preference tiers favor residents who live and attend school in those states. You do not need a specific street address inside the Quad Cities metro if you otherwise meet major, GPA, and enrollment rules.
How much is the Chapter 23 Quad Cities Scholarship worth?
Published SME Education Foundation listings show about $1,000 applied to tuition, fees, or books. Treat the offer letter as the final number if you win.
What is the Chapter 23 Quad Cities Scholarship deadline for 2027?
Apply through scholarships.smeef.org before 1 February 2027. SME opens the shared application on 1 November each year, and late files are not accepted.
What GPA do I need for the Quad Cities Scholarship?
You need at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. High school seniors should show that average on the transcript submitted with the application.
Do SME members' children get preference for the Quad Cities Scholarship?
Yes. First preference goes to active SME Student Chapter members, SME members, or children, grandchildren, or stepchildren of registered SME members. Additional preference tiers cover Iowa and Illinois residency and attendance.
Do I need a separate application for Chapter 23 Quad Cities?
No. You complete one SME Education Foundation application and the system routes you to every scholarship you qualify for, including Chapter 23 Quad Cities.
Where do I apply for the Chapter 23 Quad Cities Scholarship?
Use https://scholarships.smeef.org/applications/ when the cycle is open. Background on SME Foundation scholarships lives at smeef.org, and questions go to [email protected].
Scholarship Union
More in-depth scholarship guides curated by experts.
Related guides
Always verify scholarship details on the official source before applying. Information on this page may change.
Visit official website