The Pittsburgh Section of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is excited to support students pursuing degrees in petroleum-related fields through our scholarship program!
Each year, the Pittsburgh Section Officers work closely with the Scholarship Committee Chair to approve a scholarship budget and allocate funds. This collaboration helps determine the number of scholarships awarded and the amounts, ensuring we can make a meaningful impact on future petroleum professionals.
Our scholarship program includes General Scholarships and Dependent Scholarships specifically for undergraduates. Additionally, we offer a single scholarship for Graduate Students. Recipients are selected based on their dedication to petroleum engineering or related disciplines, as demonstrated by outstanding academic achievements, active participation in extracurricular activities, and strong leadership qualities.
For the 2025-2026 academic school year, the awards will be as follows:
• (5) General Scholarship: $3,000 each
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a current SPE student member affiliated with the SPE Pittsburgh Section (The Pennsylvania State University or Slippery Rock University) Students from other schools may only apply if eligible for the dependent scholarship.
- Must graduate in at least two or more semesters (undergraduates only)
- Be a dependent of a SPE Pittsburgh Section member (for Dependent Scholarship application only)
- Complete the application submission process
- Enrollment (or intended enrollment for incoming Freshman) in an accredited bachelor’s degree in a petroleum-related program (Petroleum Engineering, Geosciences, Energy Management, etc.) at an accredited university
- Maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4-point scale) overall
Application Requirements:
Application package must include all of these items:
• Submit a completed and signed application. Applications can be found at the following link:
o https://forms.gle/E2N8zrJr6iCerQxX6
• Unofficial school transcript
• Resume (No more than 2 pages)
• A completed letter of recommendation from a current 2025-2026 SPE Pittsburgh Officer or North American Regional Director (Graduate Scholarship application only)
• Submit a short essay (350 words) on one of the following topics:
o Describe the moment you first learned about SPE and what inspired you to join.
o Share a story about a problem you’d like to solve in the industry and why it matters to you personally.
o Tell a story about someone who inspired your career goals and what you learned from them.
Pro tip: This essay is about you, not a computer. AI can’t invent your personal journey, only you can! Make this essay yours.
DEADLINE TO APPLY MARCH 15, 2026
Scholarships will be awarded at the SPE Pittsburgh Section’s Annual Pints & Posters event on March 31, 2026 at Cefalo's Banquet and Event Center in Carnegie, PA. Applicants are encouraged to attend to celebrate with the community.