USA Scholarships
Clinton J. Helton Manufacturing Scholarship 2027
The Clinton J. Helton Manufacturing Scholarship honors a long-standing SME Education Foundation fund for full-time undergraduates building careers in manufacturing engineering or manufacturing technology. You must study at Colorado State University or any University of Colorado campus in an eligible degree program, complete at least 30 college credit hours, and hold a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Awards that directories list often fall between $1,000 and $6,000 for tuition, fees, or books. You file one application at scholarships.smeef.org during the annual November-through-February window, and the portal routes you to the Helton fund plus every other SME scholarship you match.
What is the Clinton J. Helton Manufacturing Scholarship?
Clinton J. Helton Manufacturing Scholarship is one of the SME Education Foundation''s campus-specific funds, and it has pointed at Colorado State University and the University of Colorado system for years. The credit-hour gate means this is not a first-semester freshman award unless you arrive with substantial transfer credits.
Helton money rewards students who already proved they can handle upper-level manufacturing coursework. A 3.0 GPA and thirty credits separate this fund from chapter scholarships that welcome high school seniors with a 2.5 average. If you are between Fort Collins and Boulder, double-check that your degree title matches the portal dropdown before you submit.
The memorial fund dates to 1979, so it predates many newer SME chapter awards. You still apply through the same winter portal as everyone else. Read the SME Education Foundation Scholarship guide for the shared timeline, and the Chapter 116 Roscoe Douglas Scholarship guide for another credit-hour-based SME campus fund.
Eligibility
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✓Enrollment at CSU or University of ColoradoYou must be a full-time undergraduate at Colorado State University or any campus of the University of Colorado system in an approved manufacturing or related engineering program.
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✓Manufacturing engineering or technology majorEligible paths include manufacturing engineering, manufacturing technology, and closely related engineering disciplines as defined in SME Education Foundation materials.
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✓Minimum 30 college credit hoursApplicants must have completed at least 30 college credit hours before the application deadline. Transfer credits count when they appear on your transcript.
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✓Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPAYou need an overall GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Upload transcripts that show your cumulative average.
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✓Full-time undergraduate statusThe fund targets degree-seeking undergraduates enrolled full time at an approved Colorado institution.
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✓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.
Benefits
- Typical award range $1,000 to $6,000
- Allowed uses Tuition, fees, or books
- Campus requirement CSU or University of Colorado
- Renewability Reapply each year unless renewed in portal
- Room and board Not a separate housing grant
Document checklist
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✓SME Education Foundation online applicationComplete the shared form at scholarships.smeef.org when the 2027-2028 cycle opens. One submission considers you for the Helton fund and all other eligible SME scholarships.
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✓Official or current transcriptProvide transcripts proving at least 30 credit hours and a 3.0 cumulative GPA at CSU or a University of Colorado campus.
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✓Personal statementDescribe your manufacturing career goals and how your coursework at CSU or CU prepares you for industry roles.
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✓ResumeList co-ops, internships, and student chapter activity that support your file.
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✓Recommendation letterSubmit at least one letter from faculty or an industry mentor who can speak to your academic performance and career direction.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
Which Colorado schools qualify for the Clinton J. Helton Manufacturing Scholarship?
You must attend Colorado State University or any campus of the University of Colorado system. Other Colorado colleges are not listed in published fund rules.
How much is the Clinton J. Helton Manufacturing Scholarship worth?
Third-party listings show a range from about $1,000 to $6,000 depending on fund availability and applicant strength. Treat the offer letter as final if you win.
What is the Clinton J. Helton Manufacturing Scholarship deadline for 2027?
Apply through scholarships.smeef.org before 1 February 2027. SME opens the shared application on 1 November each year.
How many credit hours do I need for the Helton scholarship?
You must complete at least 30 college credit hours before the deadline. Sophomores and juniors usually meet this bar more easily than first-year students.
What GPA do I need for the Clinton J. Helton Manufacturing Scholarship?
You need at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale according to published fund rules.
Can community college transfers apply for the Helton scholarship?
Yes, if you transfer into a full-time undergraduate manufacturing or related program at CSU or a University of Colorado campus and your combined transcript shows 30 credits and a 3.0 GPA.
Do I need a separate application for the Helton scholarship?
No. One SME Education Foundation application covers this fund and every other scholarship you qualify for.
Where do I apply for the Clinton J. Helton Manufacturing Scholarship?
Use https://scholarships.smeef.org/applications/ when the cycle is open. Questions go to [email protected] or [email protected].
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