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2026 AWS Leadership Symposium -- Student Representative Application

About the AWS Leadership Symposium

The AWS Leadership Symposium was initiated by the AWS Membership Committee in 1999 to strengthen leadership skills at the AWS Section level. In addition, the event provides a forum for Section leaders to share ideas, identify problems, and develop solutions that drive the Society towards achieving its mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.

The AWS Leadership Symposium has a proven track record of building a base of more knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers. More than 700 AWS Members have participated in the AWS Leadership Symposium to date.

To better prepare the Society’s future leaders, the AWS Membership Committee is seeking applications from students who wish to participate in the 2026 AWS Leadership Symposium. The intent is to inform, excite, and build upon the leadership skills of this younger generation – the Society’s future leaders.

This year, AWS will host its Leadership Symposium cohorts in Doral (Miami), Florida on Sunday, July 26 through Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

Before applying, please make sure you can attend during the program dates listed above.

Qualification / Eligibility Requirements for Student Representative Applicants

All applicants must:
  1. Be an active AWS Member prior to applying and must maintain an active AWS Membership through the time of participation
  2. Be 18 years of age or older at the time of the 2026 AWS Leadership Symposium
  3. Be a student at the time of the AWS Leadership Symposium
  4. Demonstrate exceptional leadership skills
  5. Demonstrate outstanding school and community achievements
  6. Demonstrate potential of becoming a future AWS Section Leader
  7. Submit an AWS Leadership Symposium Student Representative Application to AWS World Headquarters by February 28, 2026.
Funding
AWS will provide travel reimbursement and hotel accommodations for each of the students selected. Meals will be provided. The student may bring a parent or spouse, with funding for this individual covered at their own expense.

Student's must submit an application to be considered.

If an educator or another member would like to nominate you, please have them complete the nomination form located on the AWS website, however, your application must be received in order to be considered by the Membership Committee.

Application Deadline
Student Representative applications must be received by AWS World Headquarters by February 28. 2026.
1.First & Last Name(Required.)
2.AWS Membership Number
3.Membership Type(Required.)
4.AWS District and Section Assignment(Required.)
5.Email Address(Required.)
6.Mobile Phone(Required.)
7.Other Phone
8.Street Address(Required.)
9.City(Required.)
10.State(Required.)
11.ZIP/Postal Code(Required.)
12.I will be 18 years of age or older by July 26, 2026 AND am able to travel to Miami, Florida to attend the 2026 AWS Leadership Symposium from July 26-29, 2026.(Required.)
13.Current School Name(Required.)
14.What level of education you are currently pursuing?
15.How far along are you in your current educational program?
16.List a current instructor that could serve as a reference.
17.List schools you have attended (high school and beyond). Please include the name of the school and dates attended.(Required.)
18.School and Community Activities and Honors:
19.AWS Section and Student Chapter Activities, Volunteerism and/or Honors:
20.Have you ever attended an AWS District Conference?(Required.)
21.Have you ever attended FABTECH?(Required.)
22.Have you participated in a State or National welding competition?(Required.)
23.Why do you want to attend the AWS Leadership Symposium?(Required.)
24.Do you have any additional information to share? Please use this space to list schools, activities, or honors that did not fit in the space provided above.
25.Feel free to list any social media pages/accounts you use to post related content that you would like to have considered as support of your application.