ACEC Delaware Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by American Council of Engineering Companies of Delaware

Introduction
The American Council of Engineering Companies of Delaware (ACEC/DE) represents the engineering profession across the state. Member firms perform a broad array of engineering services that support Delaware’s economy and protect residents’ quality of life—ensuring safe travel, access to clean water, improved public health, and the adoption of new technologies. ACEC/DE’s mission is to advance the business interests of its member firms to promote the welfare and prosperity of Delaware.

History and National Scope
ACEC’s origins trace back to 1909, when a loosely organized group of private-practice engineers formed the American Institute of Consulting Engineers (AICE), the predecessor to today’s ACEC. Presently, ACEC is a federation of 51 state and regional councils that collectively represent the diversity of the U.S. engineering industry. Member firms employ hundreds of thousands of professionals—including engineers, architects, land surveyors, and scientists—and are responsible for more than $200 billion in public and private projects each year. Firms range from solo registered engineers to corporations with thousands of employees.

Who Is Eligible
- High school seniors who have been primary residents of Delaware for at least one continuous full year prior to the application deadline (January 30, 2026).
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens at the time they submit their application.
- Applicants must have applied to or been accepted into an engineering degree program at a four-year ABET-accredited college or university in the United States.
- Candidates should demonstrate strong academic performance and participation in extracurricular activities (school and/or community).
- Applicants may optionally document financial need.

Selection Criteria
1. Residency: Continuous Delaware primary residence for one full year before the January 30, 2026 deadline.
2. Academic Program: Applied to or accepted by a four-year, ABET-accredited engineering program in the United States.
3. Citizenship: United States citizenship at time of application.
4. Merit and Involvement: Evidence of academic achievement and extracurricular or community involvement.
5. Financial Consideration: Financial need may be demonstrated but is not mandatory.

Application Instructions
- Submit a single PDF containing the completed application, all attachments, and the required essay via email to Karen Sheets at karen.sheets@kci.com by January 30, 2026. Use the subject line: ACEC - Delaware Scholarship.
- Refer to the application checklist included at the end of the application packet to verify all required documents are included.
- For questions about the application, contact Dakota Laidman-Murray at dlmurray@mckimcreed.com.
- The ACEC/DE Scholarship Committee will review submissions and select finalists. Finalists may be called for interviews if deemed necessary.
- ACEC/DE reserves the right to refuse any or all applicants and to withhold awarding the scholarship in any given year.
- All application materials will be destroyed at the conclusion of the calendar year in which the award is granted.

Award Details
- Award amounts are set annually by the ACEC/DE Executive Committee. For this year, scholarships total $3,500 and $2,500.
- Scholarships are one-time awards.
- Successful recipient(s) will be notified by April 15 of the graduation year. Unsuccessful applicants will not receive notification.
- The scholarship recipient(s) will be presented and introduced at The ACEC Banquet (Summer 2026).
- After the recipient accepts the award and provides proof of enrollment, the scholarship payment will be issued directly to the recipient’s college or university.