The National Scholarships are the most prestigious, high-dollar scholarships offered by the AWS Foundation. Scholarships, including the Barbara and Richard Couch Hypertherm Scholarship, are available for students pursuing a bachelor's or associate degree in welding or a related discipline. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from teachers, work supervisors, mentors, coaches, youth group, troop leaders, or other individuals that can attest to their work ethic and past accomplishments. Some National Scholarships require demonstrated financial need, which means the cost of attendance exceeds the Student Aid Index (SAI) as found on the FAFSA Submission Summary. The FAFSA Submission Summary must be submitted in addition to cost of attendance documentation to be eligible for these scholarships. Some scholarships require, or have a preference for, applicants to be a member of AWS. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the American Welding Society for more information.