Post Scholarships + Mentoring Program
The SAME DC Post is now accepting applications for the 2026 annual scholarship program from qualified college students studying engineering, architecture, or environmental science. Last year the Post proudly awarded more than $75,000 to STEM students!. This year, eligible students can receive up to $10,000 with a total of $75,000 in scholarship funds to support their education in engineering, architecture, construction management, or related fields.
Deadline: Monday, March 30, 2026 (Midnight) ET
Application Information
SAME is a professional society, one of the oldest and most respected in the United States. It maintains high standards of professionalism, fosters exchange of ideas, and encourages team-work between military and civilian engineers, architects, and related design professionals. This union of military and civilian design professionals has increased the design potential of the United States and helps our Nation “stay ready.” As its Charter acclaims, The Society is “Dedicated to the National Defense.”
ABOUT THE SAME WASHINGTON DC POST
The SAME Washington DC Post is made up of a community of 7,000, including approximately 1,200 individual members and over 200 sustaining corporate members. The Post supports professional development through educational grants and other means, including scholarships, annually to architectural and engineering college students, with an emphasis on those active in the Washington DC Post or an affiliated Student Chapter.
DC POST SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
The applicant’s school counselor, academic advisor, or administrator must endorse each application to verify enrollment. Awards will be provided to qualified applicants valued between $1,000 and $10,000 per recipient. Decisions relating to awards are by the Post only and are final. Financial awards are remitted directly to student accounts on or about July 1, 2026.
MENTORING
As a part of this year’s scholarship program, the SAME DC Post will connect scholarship recipients with a mentor in the field of their choice. Our mentors can provide valuable guidance on resume reviews, industry trends, college course guidance, and so much more. This is also a great opportunity to connect with other SAME Post members and learn more about our great organization.
CRITERIA
Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible:
- A US Citizen of good character.
- A full-time student at an accredited college or university, pursuing a built environment professional degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, or related environmental building science, graduating
after February 01, 2027. (or) - A graduating high school senior with proof of enrollment at an accredited college or university for the 2026/2027 academic year with anticipated focus on pursuing a built environment professional degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, or related environmental building science. (or)
- A registered student at an ACCSC, COE, or ABHES accredited trade school pursuing a certificate of completion in building construction, engineering, construction management, or related field.
- Undergraduate students are required to sign up for a free SAME Student Membership assigned to the SAME DC Post. Graduate students and Trade School applicants who do not meet the criteria for a free SAME Membership are encouraged to opt for a paid SAME DC Post membership however, this is not mandatory and will not affect their eligibility for consideration. All applicants who meet eligibility for a free student membership must be SAME DC Post members at the time of application.
- Note: SAME offers free membership to all full-time students, under age 25, enrolled in high school, two-year or four-year colleges and universities (through the undergraduate level), trade schools, and military academies. Join SAME and select Washington DC as your assigned Post: https://www.same.org/membership-communities/join/student-membership
Application Instructions
Complete the online form application details including attachments:
1. Attach Endorsement Letter from academic advisor or administrator,
The applicant’s school counselor, academic advisor, or administrator must endorse each application to verify enrollment.
Download the 2026 Endorsement Letter for Signature →
2. Attach a passport type “headshot” photo (.jpg), and
3. Attach a 2-3 page narrative (.pdf) addressing the following topics in the order listed:
- Academic Performance and Academic/Professional Goals
- Nature of Associations with the Washington DC Post and the Washington DC Regional Community
- Financial Need (Ability to pay for college; other financial assistance to be received)
- Extracurricular Activities including Participation in SAME Student Chapter or Activities
- Have your SAME Member Number and Post (DC or Virtual) ready. All applications will be verified for membership.
- Summary of Previous Military Service, if any
- Statement of why applicant should be considered for award
- Other comments to assist selection process
Narratives should be typewritten, one paragraph per topic, about 2-3 pages total. Please take the time to be brief!
The SAME Washington DC Post’s Scholarships Committee solicits applications and selects individuals from the pool of candidates to receive awards. Nominations are sought in the spring and awarded in September every year to qualified college students studying engineering, architecture, or environmental science.
SAME DC Scholarships Committee
Scholarship Chair
Brian Bowser, AIA, LEED AP
Links
Download the 2026 Awards Criteria (YES, THIS IS FOR 2026): https://www.same.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-SAME-DC-Post-Scholarship-Criteria.pdf
Download the 2026 Endorsement Letter: https://www.same.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SAME-DC-2026-ENDORSEMENT-LETTER.docx
Online Application: https://form.jotform.com/samedcprograms/same-dc-post-2026-scholarship-app