Scholarships
The ARCE department has both need-based and merit-based scholarships. To qualify for need-based ARCE Scholarships, applicants must have applied for FAFSA. Cal Poly's priority filing deadline is March 2nd. If you missed the deadline for the FAFSA you can still be eligible for merit based scholarships!
Scholarships will be formally presented at the ARCE Scholarship Luncheon.
Look at previous scholarship recipient photos here!
Internal Scholarships
Below are listed the internal scholarships. Click on a scholarship to learn more information about it, but you must still apply through your Cal Poly portal.
Just log onto your portal and access the app under the Apps section on the side of the home screen.
The deadline for applying for ARCE Scholarships is May 1st at 11:59pm.
Every year, we also award one scholarship sponsor the "ARCY Award," an award for the best video presentation of the company's scholarship! For more information about the ARCY Award, details on how to enter, and past winners click here!
| ARCE Scholarships | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 x $1,200 | |
| Forell/Elsesser Engineers Scholarship | 1 x $1,000 |
| Carson Starkey Memorial Scholarship | 1 x $1,500 |
| Paul F. Fratessa Memorial Scholarship | 1 x $1,000 |
| Hans Mager Scholarship | 1 x $1,200 |
| D'Abreau Family Foundation Scholarship | 3 x $1,500 |
| John Labib & Associates Structural Engineers Scholarship | 1 x $1,500 |
| KNA Senior Project Grant | 1 x $1,500 |
| CYS Structural Engineering Eugene Cole Scholarship | 1 x $3,000 |
|
|
1 x $1,500 |
|
CAED Scholarships |
Amount |
| Castagna Scholarship | 4 x $15,000 |
| 2 x $1,350 | |
| 3 x $2100 each | |
|
CAED Scholarship |
3 x $1000
1 x $1000 |
External Scholarships
There are many more scholarships available for ARCE students! These scholarships become available at different times throughout the year, so keep checking to see what's available.
To access the Cal Poly External Scholarship Bulletin Board, click here!
Fall Quarter Deadlines
| Scholarships | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| ACI Scholarships and Fellowships | varies | 7/1/2026 |
| SEF Research Grant | $3,000 | TDB |
Winter Quarter Deadlines
| Scholarships | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E Scholarships | 200 x $1,000-$10,000 | 03/12/2026 |
| SEAW Scholarship | Multiple x $5,000 | 02/28/2026 |
| SEAONC Scholarship | 7 x $5,000 | 03/15/2026 |
| Simpson Strong-Tie Scholarships | 30 x $2,000 | 03/23/2026 |
| SOM Travel Fellowship (Opens January 2026) | $20,000 | 03/13/2026 |
| NPCA Foundation Scholarships | $3,500-$6,500 | 03/13/2026 |
Spring Quarter Deadlines
| Scholarships | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Crew Network Scholarship (Junior and above) | 25 x $5,000 | 4/1/26 |
| Mather Scholarship | 1 x $7500 | TBD |
| EERI Graduate Fellowship | 2 x $12,000 | 5/6/24 |
| RDH Research Scholarship (opens May 1) | $2,000 | 6/1/2026 |
| Zeltmacher Structural Design Engineering (Juniors and Seniors) | $500 | 6/19/2026 |