Earlbeck Memorial Welder Training Scholarship

Earlbeck established these memorial scholarships as tribute to former employee Eileen Blob and former Earlbeck student Michael Clay. Applications for both scholarships are open yearly from April 1st to May 23rd.
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Awardees of the Eileen Blob Scholarship will receive free tuition for Fundamentals of Welding, Welding Blueprints, and an Intermediate (MIG/TIG/Stick) at our Technical Center in Baltimore, MD. While awardees of the Michael Clay Scholarship will receive free tuition for Fundamentals of Welding and  Intermediate Stick at our Technical Center in York, PA.

Scholarship Award:

Fundamentals of Welding , Welding Blueprint, and an Intermediate Welding (MIG, TIG or Stick) at our Technical Center in Baltimore, MD

Earlbeck has been in business for over a century, and we owe much of our success to the invaluable contributions of our dedicated staff— among them was Eileen Blob. Eileen was not only a dedicated professional in the field of compressed gases and welding but also a cornerstone of our community.

​She was best known for her unwavering care and support of others, her profound love for dogs and family, and the genuine kindness she extended to everyone she encountered.
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We have established this scholarship as a tribute to Eileen's remarkable character. Through this initiative, we aim to continue Eileen's legacy of helping others and embody her values of compassion, dedication, and community spirit. 

​By investing in your education and future, we hope to honor Eileen's memory and reflect the positive impact she had on so many lives!

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We truly want to see every student that comes through Earlbeck Technical Center succeed in their chosen career path. Michael Patrick Clay was one of those hardworking students, driven to succeed.

Michael was a kind-hearted man who loved outdoor activities, music, sports, food, and spending time with the people he loved. He also loved working on his feet and took pride in his accomplishments and work as a welder. 

After earning his AWS D.1.1 3G SMAW certification here at Earlbeck, Michael went on to apprentice at the Whiting-Turner Union in Baltimore, MD and then moved on to apprentice at the Boilermaker Local One in Chicago, IL.

​Michael passed away on December 14, 2024, and the dedication of his mother, Debbie Clay, to keep his memory alive led to the creation of this scholarship.

​Offering free tuition to the classes Michael took, in his name, gives another student just like him the chance to succeed!

Scholarship Award:

​Fundamentals of Welding and Intermediate Stick at our Technical Center in York, PA

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HOW TO APPLY:

Applications for these scholarships open on April 1st, 2026 and close on May 23, 2026. Only eligible applications submitted within this timeframe will be considered.

The winning applicant will be notified by phone and email by June 23, 2026. 

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1. Submit two letters of recommendation from a current or prior supervisor or teacher.

​2. Tell us about yourself and how this scholarship will help you by writing an original, 500-word essay that thoroughly answers one of the prompts below. 

passion For Welding

Describe what sparked your interest in welding and how this passion has influenced your life and career goals. Include specific experiences or projects that have shaped your desire to pursue welding as a profession.

Mentor or role model

Describe a mentor or role model who has influenced your decision to pursue welding. How have they impacted your learning journey, and what lessons have you learned from them that you will carry forward in your career?

Significant challenges

Discuss a significant challenge you have faced in your life and how you overcame it. Explain how this experience has prepared you for the rigors and demands of a welding career.

Career Aspirations

Where do you see yourself in the welding industry in the next five to ten years? Explain your career aspirations and how attending this welding program will help you achieve your goals.

Interest in innovation

The welding industry is continuously evolving with new technologies and techniques. Discuss an innovation in welding that excites you and explain how you see it shaping the future of the industry. How would you like to be a part of this innovative change?

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

1. Are you legally authorized to work within the US?
2. Are you over 16 years old?
3. Do you plan to become a professional welder if awarded this scholarship?
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You must answer “Yes” to all of the above questions to qualify for the scholarship.

Terms AND Conditions:

Before applying, please review all requirements carefully. Make sure all fields are accurate, as you will not be able to edit your application once it has been submitted.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• The scholarship application period is open between April 1–May 23 each year. Our selection board will review all submissions carefully and select the winning applicant by June 23, respectively.
• The winner must register for class and attend within 6 months of receiving the scholarship.
• The essay must be original. Be sure to proofread for proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• The winner will be notified by phone (if one is provided) and email.
• Applicants must follow all application guidelines outlined above.
• Only one entry per student.
• By entering the Welding Scholarship, you agree to provide a photo of yourself and have your name and photo published on the Earlbeck.com website, our social media profiles, and any press release announcements for promotional purposes. All other personal information will not be revealed or shared without your express written permission, and will only be used only to contact you to distribute your prize. By providing your submission, you agree to our privacy policy.
• The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable, and cannot be substituted or exchanged for other prizes.
• The decision of our Board is final.
• Scholarship is only valid for redemption at the Earlbeck Technical Center.
• The Eileen Blob Scholarship may only be used at our Rosedale, MD campus.
• The Michael Clay Scholarship can only be used at our York, PA campus.

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