Give to the PAE Scholarship Fund
Applications are open! Apply by February 22, 2026, 11:59pm Pacific Time.
PAE Diversity in Engineering Scholarship
Renewable $5,000 scholarship for undergraduate students marginalized by ethnicity and/or gender, pursuing engineering with a passion for climate justice at an accredited 4-year university in the United States
The PAE Diversity in Engineering Scholarship was established in 2024 in partnership with PAE. PAE envisions a future with clean air, energy, and water for all. They are committed to supporting the next generation of diverse professional engineers focused on climate justice.
Through this scholarship, PAE is working to increase racial and gender diversity within the engineering profession. Scholarship funds are intended to offset direct educational costs and allow students to focus on achieving their academic goals in engineering. Awardees are invited to build relationships with PAE and AFO’s community of building and design professionals and will receive opportunities for career support and mentorship.
PAE and AFO encourage engineering students of marginalized ethnicities and genders to apply for this renewable, multi-year award. Strong candidates include students with a passion for climate action and a desire to impact communities through engineering.
2025 PAE Scholar, Morgan Dawkins
Watch a recording of our virtual celebration for our inaugural 2025 PAE Scholar, Morgan Dawkins, an Architectural Engineering major at Penn State.
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility for 2026 Award
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- Identify as a person of a marginalized ethnicity and/or gender including Black, Indigenous, person of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming
- Incoming freshman, transfer, and/or undergraduate student pursuing a 4-year degree at a U.S. college or university for the 2026-27 school year
- Pursuing or intending to pursue an accredited degree in engineering: mechanical, electrical, renewable energy, architectural, or civil
- Desire to use climate action and engineering to make a positive impact
Application Requirements
Please submit the following through our AFO Scholarship application form:
- 500-word (maximum) essay: Reflect on your experiences, values, and goals. Why are equity and inclusion in engineering important to you? How do you aspire to use your degree to support climate justice? If you have an example, share any steps you have already taken—through school, community involvement, or other experiences—that reflect your commitment to climate justice, equity, and/or inclusion. Sharing examples is not required; we value your vision for the future just as much.
- FAFSA Submission Summary including your Student Aid Index (SAI). How to access your FAFSA Submission Summary.
- What is your estimated cost of attendance per school year?
- Are you paying for in-state or out-of-state tuition?
- Please list any scholarships or financial assistance you expect to receive during the 2026-27 school year (outside of your financial aid package) including the award amount and the date you will receive the support.
- If you are selected as a finalist, you will be asked to submit proof of enrollment in an accredited 4-year university in the U.S. Proof of enrollment must be submitted by May 8, 2026. Please contact candice@af-oregon.org with any questions or concerns about proof of enrollment requirements.
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- Documentation examples
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- Copy of transcript showing degree program
- Email confirmation showing proof of enrollment or intent to register for classes
- Enrollment verification letter
- Student ID card
- Course schedule for Fall 2026
- Tuition payment receipt
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- Documentation examples
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If you are not able to submit your application electronically, please print and mail it to AFO, Attn: Candice Agahan, PO Box 40230, Portland, OR 97240. We will accept mailed applications postmarked by the deadline.
Selection Criteria
Join AFO at a Scholarship Workshop to learn more about how to prepare a successful application. See more information below.
- Candidate weaves their story and aspirations throughout their entire application
- Candidate shows commitment and passion for climate justice, equity, and inclusion in engineering
- Candidate expresses specific career goals and desire to make a positive impact on the engineering profession
- Candidate aligns with PAE’s values and hopes for the future of the profession
- Preference for a candidate with a financial aid gap (financial aid gap refers to the difference between the total cost of college and the support you receive from financial aid, scholarships, and family contributions)
The criteria for AFO Scholarships include consideration for need, although need is not a prerequisite. Previous applicants who have not received an award are welcomed and encouraged to reapply.
Award Notification
Applications are evaluated by a committee of AFO and PAE representatives. Applicants will be notified of the selection committee’s decision in April. Finalists will be selected at that time and asked to submit proof of college enrollment. An official scholarship recipient will be selected and notified in May.
PAE Scholarship recipients are asked to participate in a virtual celebration in the Summer to honor their accomplishments and receive their award. The event is attended by AFO and PAE representatives as well as members of the architecture, engineering, construction and design community. If scholars are located in Oregon, they will also be asked to attend our Building Pathways showcase in the Spring of the year following their award.
APPLY NOW
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 22, 2026, 11:59pm Pacific Time
If you are eligible for scholarship renewal, you will receive the renewal application and instructions via email in April.
Deadline for 2026-27 Scholarship Renewal: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 11:59pm Pacific Time
Renewal Eligibility
- Remain enrolled at a U.S. college or university in an accredited undergraduate engineering degree program including mechanical, electrical, renewable energy, architectural, or civil engineering (changes in a degree program are accepted if the new degree being pursued is listed above).
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- Scholars who study abroad will remain eligible if they stay enrolled in their home U.S. college or university.
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- Enrolled in at least three terms or two semesters during the upcoming school year.
- Maintain Full-Time or 3/4 Time enrollment status.
- No minimum GPA requirement – students with a GPA lower than 2.00 will be asked to participate in their school’s academic coaching and advising sessions.
Renewal Period
Scholarship renewability lasts for up to 4 years or until graduation (whichever comes first). A renewal extension can be requested if a scholar is pursuing their undergraduate degree beyond 4 years. Scholars who would like to request a 5+ year renewal extension should not fill out the renewal application. Contact Candice Agahan, candice@af-oregon.org for more information. Extensions will be granted by the PAE Selection Committee on a case-by-case basis if funding is available.
Reporting Changes in Eligibility
If a scholar changes majors or ceases enrollment during an awarding year, they must notify Candice Agahan, candice@af-oregon.org, within one month. Scholars who cease enrollment or switch majors to a non-eligible degree program will stop receiving scholarship funds at that time.
Requesting a Deferment
Deferment of scholarship funds is available for up to one academic year if a student plans to take a maximum year-long hiatus from school. Scholars who would like to request a deferment should not fill out the renewal application. Contact Candice Agahan, candice@af-oregon.org for more information. Deferments will be granted by the PAE Selection Committee on a case-by-case basis.
Renewal Application Requirements
- Copy of transcript showing degree program and GPA
- Copy of upcoming Fall course schedule
- Write a short paragraph outlining your use of award funds over the past year. What impact did the funds have on your education journey?
- Optional Application Questions:
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- If you would like to share, please upload any project images that you are proud of. We would love to see your work!
- Are you interested in the PAE Summer Internship?
- Are you interested in mentorship opportunities?
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- Aside from this scholarship, are there other ways AFO and PAE can support your academic career?
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If you are not able to submit your application electronically, please print and mail it to AFO, Attn: Candice Agahan, PO Box 40230, Portland, OR 97240. We will accept mailed applications postmarked by the deadline.
Awarding and Payment Process
Renewal applications will be reviewed by the PAE Selection Committee to verify that scholars meet the eligibility requirements. You will be notified of committee’s decision by July 15.
If you are approved for renewal, scholarship funds will be disbursed via check at the beginning of the school year. In the renewal application, please specify if you would like funds mailed directly to you or to the school. Scholarship funds may be subject to taxes depending on how they are used. Visit the IRS website to learn more.
Questions? Contact AFO Director of Community Engagement, Candice Agahan, candice@af-oregon.org, 503-542-3823
Questions?
Contact:
Candice Agahan
Director of Community Engagement
candice@af-oregon.org
503-542-3823
