ACEC Delaware Scholarship

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Delaware (ACEC/DE) is the voice of Delaware's engineering industry. ACEC/DE members are engaged in a wide range of engineering works that propel the State's economy and enhance and safeguard Delaware's quality of life. These works allow Delawareans to drink clean water, enjoy a healthy life, take advantage of new technologies and travel safely and efficiently. Our mission is to contribute to Delaware's prosperity and welfare by advancing the business interests of member firms.

ACEC's roots date back to 1909 when a loosely organized group of engineers in private practice established the American Institute of Consulting Engineers (AICE), the forerunner of ACEC.

Today ACEC is a large federation of 51 state and regional councils representing the great breadth of America's engineering industry. ACEC member firms employ hundreds of thousands of engineers, architects, land surveyors, scientists, and other specialists, responsible for more than $200 billion of private and public works annually. Member firms range in size from a single registered professional engineer to corporations employing thousands of professionals.

Eligibility: 

Available to high school seniors or students from the state of Delaware who have had a primary residence for one continuous full year prior to the application deadline. Must be accepted into or have applied to enroll in the engineering program of a four-year, ABET-accredited college. Must be a U.S. citizen at the time of application. Must demonstrate academic excellence and involvement in extracurricular activities in either the community, in school, or both. May demonstrate financial need.

CRITERIA:

1. Available to high school seniors who have lived in the State of Delaware for one continuous full year prior to the application deadline of January 30th, 2026.
2. Candidate shall be accepted into or have applied to enroll in an engineering program of a four (4) year, ABET accredited college within the United States of America.
3. Candidate shall be a citizen of the United States of America at the time of application.
4. Candidate must demonstrate academic excellence and involvement in extracurricular activities either in the community, in school, or both.
5. Candidate may demonstrate financial need.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

1. Applicant shall submit one electronic copy of the completed application form, including attachments and essay to Karen Sheets at karen.sheets@kci.com by the application deadline of January 30th, 2026. Please use ACEC - Delaware Scholarship as the subject line of the email. The submission must be a single PDF file containing all submission items. For questions, please email Dakota Laidman-Murray at dlmurray@mckimcreed.com.
2. Please refer to the application checklist at the end of the application to ensure that all documents are accounted for.
3. ACEC/DE Scholarship Committee will select finalists from among qualified applicants. Finalists may be interviewed if necessary.
4. All applications shall be considered; however, ACEC/DE reserves the right to reject any and all candidates for any reason, and not offer the scholarship award in any given year.
5. All applications will be discarded at the end of the calendar year in which award is given.

AWARD:.

1. The amount of the award shall be determined annually by the Executive Committee of ACEC/DE. The awards for this year are $3,500 and $2,500.
2. The award shall be a one-time presentation.
3. The successful candidate(s) shall be notified by April 15th of the graduation year. Unsuccessful candidates shall not be notified.
4. The scholarship will be awarded and the winner introduced at The ACEC Banquet (Summer 2026)
5. Upon acceptance of the award by the successful candidate, the payment will be made directly to the scholarship winner's chosen university or college following documentation of enrollment.