CDM Smith Scholarship

CDM Smith has established a scholarship program to assist students pursuing an eligible STEM undergraduate and graduate programs focusing on engineering at an accredited four-year college or university.

Eight $7,500 merit-based scholarships are awarded annually to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, technical proficiency and a commitment to community service. These scholarships aim to recognize and support individuals who excel in their studies, contribute to their communities, and show promise in their professional development.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Academic Excellence: Applicants must have a strong academic record and demonstrate a passion for learning and innovation in their chosen field.
• Technical Professional Development: Candidates should exhibit a commitment to advancing their technical skills and professional growth through internships, projects, or relevant work experience.
• Community Service: Applicants must have a proven track record of meaningful community service and leadership, showing dedication to making a positive impact in their communities.
• Support for Underserved Communities: Consideration will be given to individuals from underserved communities who have overcome significant challenges to pursue their education and career goals.

This program is administered by Scholarship America, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals. Eligibility for individual programs is determined at the sole discretion of the sponsor, and eligible applications are reviewed by Scholarship America’s evaluation team.

Eligibility

Applicants to the CDM Smith Scholarship Program must:

• Be a high school senior or high school graduate who is enrolled to start or a currently enrolled student in an eligible STEM undergraduate or graduate program in the following eligible majors:
  • Automation Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering (Water, Geotechnical, Structural, Transportation focus)
  • Construction Engineering
  • Construction Management
  • Electrical Engineering (Power Systems preferred)
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Science
  • Geography (GIS)
  • Geology
  • Hydraulic Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering (HVAC Design, Fire Protection)
  • Planning
  • Urban/Regional Planning
  • Water Resources Engineering
  • Plan to enroll full-time in an eligible undergraduate or graduate study STEM program focusing on engineering* at an accredited four-year college, university for the entire 2025-2026 academic year
  • Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent).

*Engineering Program must be ABET or CEAB (Canada) Accredited.

Awards

Award Information

If selected as a recipient, the student will receive a $7,500 award. Up to eight (8) awards will be granted.

Awards will be granted as follows:

• CDM Smith Merit Scholarship: Four (4) awards of $7,500 each (financial need will not be considered).
• CDM Smith Soar Scholarship: Two (2) awards of $7,500 (financial need will not be considered).
• CDM Smith Arise Scholarship: Two (2) awards of $7,500 each (financial need will be considered).

Awards are not renewable, but students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements.

Awards are for undergraduate and graduate study.

Recipients may be offered an internship.

Notification

Applicants will be notified in late June. Not all applicants to the program will be selected as recipients. Students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements.

Payment of Scholarships

Scholarship America processes scholarship payments on behalf of CDM Smith. Payment is made in one installment in August.

Selection of Recipients

Selection of finalists is made by Scholarship America. CDM Smith will select the recipients. All applicants agree to accept the decision as final. Scholarship finalists are selected on the basis of academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience, and an essay.

Financial need will not be considered for the CDM Smith Merit and CDM Smith Soar Scholarships. Financial need will be considered for the CDM Smith Arise Scholarships. Recipients must have a family adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less.

Required Documents

As part of your application, you must upload the following documents:

1. A current, complete transcript of grades. Grade reports are not accepted. Transcripts must display:
   • Student name
   • School name
   • Grades
   • Credit hours for each course and term in which each course was taken. NOTE: If you are providing SAT or ACT test scores, and those scores are not listed on your high school transcript, you will need to upload a copy of your test score report(s) separately. If you are uploading a college transcript, those scores are not required.
2. A copy of your resume.
3. If applying to be considered for a need-based award, upload the IRS Form 1040 (Please black out SSN) used to report the Adjusted Gross Income on the application.

Your application is not complete unless all required documents are submitted electronically through the Scholarship America Student Hub.