Submission Deadline: January 15

The Burton and Erma Lewis Structural Engineering Scholarship was established on October 8, 2025 by the estate of Mr. Lewis for the purpose of advancing the science and profession of structural engineering.

Rules

  1. The Burton and Erma Lewis Structural Engineering Scholarship may be presented annually to one student pursuing a degree in structural engineering.
  2. Eligibility
    1. At the time of application and award the individual must be a student enrolled in and who will continue as an undergraduate in an ABET-accredited or equivalent program in civil engineering or related field and must demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career in structural engineering.
    2. Applicants must be a student member of the society and in good standing at the time of application and award.
    3. Previous recipients of the Burton and Erma Lewis Structural Engineering Scholarship are not eligible to apply.
  3. Application:
    1. Complete applications, following directions provided below, are to be submitted by January 15 of the year of award. Applications are required to be submitted online; mailed applications will no longer be accepted. For questions, please contact [email protected].
    2. Applications must include:
      1. completed contact information form (PDF);
        (Note: this form requires the signature of a faculty advisor in order to be considered complete.)
      2. detailed annual budget statement (PDF);
      3. minimum of two recommendation letters, one of which must be from faculty member;
      4. official transcript;
      5. one-page resume, including honors, activities, organization, ASCE activities (including any offices held), and any work experience; and
      6. 500-word personal essay on why the applicant should receive this scholarship.
  4. Selection:
    1. All applications will be reviewed by the Society Awards Committee or its designee for recommendation to the Executive Committee for final approval.
    2. The committee reserves the right to recommend that no award be made in a particular year if no meritorious applications are received.
    3. Selection is based on appraisal of applicant’s justification, educational plans, academic performance, potential for development, leadership, and financial need.
  5. Awards:
    1. The amount of the scholarship will be determined annually by and subject to approval of the Executive Committee of the ASCE Board of Direction based on income from the fund endowment.
    2. The scholarship may be used toward tuition expenses and other academic fees reasonably and logically associated with an undergraduate program.
    3. The recipient will be notified of selection in the spring by the Executive Director of the Society.
    4. Award funds will be deposited to the recipient’s account with the business office of the institution designated by the recipient.

Application Instructions

Online applications must be completed and submitted in a single session. All application materials must be submitted in English. Applications are required to be submitted online; mailed applications will no longer be accepted. For questions, please contact [email protected].

Application Deadline: January 15.

To complete the online application, you must have the following:

  1. A single PDF that includes the following in this order:
    1. A completed contact information form (PDF);
      (Note: this form requires the signature of a faculty advisor in order to be considered complete.)
    2. A completed detailed annual budget statement (PDF);
    3. A personal essay which shall be no more than 500 words on why the applicant should receive this scholarship; and
    4. A one (1) page resume which includes honors, activities, organizations, ASCE student chapter activities including any offices held, and any work experience;
  2. Minimum of two (2) letters of recommendation. Recommendations must be submitted online by the author and must have a signature and be on letterhead.
    (Note: make sure you provide the recommendation letter submission link to your recommenders. Please ask your recommenders to submit one general letter for you instead of a separate letter for each scholarship for which you are applying.)
  3. Official Transcript: A digital copy of an official transcript must be sent from your institution to [email protected]. If a digital copy is not available, send a sealed copy to: ASCE Scholarships Program, American Society of Civil Engineers, 1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Reston, VA 20191.

Apply now

All application requirements must be fulfilled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.