September 17, 2025 - The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME), its divisions and affiliates are once again offering scholarships to SME student members seeking a career in the mining and minerals industries. An application window for the 2025-2026 SME scholarship season is currently open through October 15, 2025.

Last year, $761,826 in scholarships was awarded by SME Divisions (including WAAIME and UCA), and the SME Foundation. This figure represents nearly half of the approximately $1.6M in total financial aid given out in 2024 when including SME’s PhD Fellowship and Academic Career Development Grant programs. 

Ryanna Louise Hines of the University of Kentucky accepting the J.H. Fletcher & Co. Scholarship at the MINEXCHANGE 2025 SME Annual Conference & EXPO
 

“Our scholarship program remains one of our most important objectives on the critical front of workforce development,” said David L. Kanagy, SME Executive Director and CEO. “SME is thrilled to be in a strong position where providing a large amount of financial aid to our accomplished student members is possible year-over-year.”

For information regarding open scholarships and associated guidelines, visit smenet.org/scholarships.

For more information regarding the many benefits of SME membership and how to join, visit refresh25.smenet.org.