Scholarships
Investing in Utah's Next Generation of Asphalt Innovators
The Utah Asphalt Pavement Association (UAPA) is proud to support Utah's students -- from high school to college -- who are shaping the future of our state's infrastructure. Through hands-on research, creative problem-solving, and collaboratoin, these scholarships help students connect classroom learning with real-world innovation in the asphalt pavement industry.
UAPA Individual Scholarship up to $1,500 (one-time award)
The UAPA Individal Scholarship supports Utah college students pursuing degrees related to the asphalt pavement industry such as civil engineering, construction management, materials science, transportation, or related disciplines.
Selection Criteria:
- Academic achievement and promise
- Financial need
- Commitment to the mission of UAPA and the Utah asphalt community
Application Requirements:
1. Completed UAPA Individual Scholarship Application
2. A one-page essay (single spaced) explaining why the applicant should receive the award and how it will help their career goals.
3. A letter of recommendation from a professor and/or a UAPA member
DEADLINE: February 1st (each year)
SUBMISSION: Email requirements to (subject) "ATTN: Scholarship committee" to Carolee@utahasphalt.org
RECOGNITION: Awardees are honored during the Utah Asphalt Conference, held annually in February at the Mountain America Expo Center.
"NEW" UAPA College Team Scholarship $250-$750 per Team Member
The UAPA College Team Scholarship encourages student collaboration, creativity and applied research that connects directly to Utah's asphalt industry. Teams of students work on an asphalt-related project and present their findings at one of UAPA's annual conferences:
November Conferences (submissions due by October 1st)
Southern Utah Fall Asphalt Conference - November, St. George, Utah
Asphalt Summit - Vernal, Utah
February Conference (submission due by January 15th)
Utah Asphalt Conference (UAC) - Mountain America Expo Center, Sandy, Utah
Eligibilty:
- Teams of 2-6 college students enrolled at an accredited Utah institution
- A faculty or industry mentor is encouraged
- Project topic must be pre-approved by UAPA to ensure aligment with asphalt-related innovation and education
- Teams must be accepted to present (oral or poster) at one of the conferences listed above.
Possible Project Topics: UAPA welcomes creative and technical approaches to real-world asphalt challenges, such as:
1. AI-assisted QA/QC for Asphalt Compaction and Inspection
2. Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA): Energy, Emissions and Performance
3. Innovations in Asphalt Joints and Construction Practices
4. Performance-Enhancing Additives and Modifiers
5. Global Innovations in Asphalt -- comparing Utah's practices to international trends
6. Recycling and Sustainability in Pavement Materials.
7. Smart Construction Technologies and Sensors for Pavement Monitoring
AWARDS
Each verified team member receives an award of $250-$750, depending on project quality and available funds.
"NEW & FUN" UAPA High School Team Scholarship $100-$250 per Team Member
UAPA is thrilled to invite High School Teams to explore the fascinating world of asphalt! This scholarship encourages young innovators to think big, build creatively and learn how the roads beneath our feet are engineered.
Teams of high school students will research, test, or demonstrate an idea related to asphalt -- then present their project at one of the UAPA's conferences alongside professionals in the field.
Eligibilty:
- Teams of 2-6 students enrolled a Utah High School
- Must have an adult mentor or teacher sponsor
- Project topic must be pre-approved by UAPA before research begins to ensure relevance and safety
- Teams must be selected to present (oral or poster) at one of UAPA's annual conferences
Fun & Educational Project Ideas:
* How different aggregates affect asphalt performance
* The science behind heat absorption and reflective pavements
* Designing eco-friendly asphalt mixtures using recycled materials
* Exploring AI or robotics in construction equipment
* Investigating roadway safety designs and how pavement affects braking distance
* Creating a public awareness campaign about asphalt recycling or sustainability
* Comparing Utah's asphalt to what other states or countries are doing
* You are welcome to submit other topics for consideration
AWARDS
Each participating team member receives an award of $100-$250, depending on project scope, presentation quality and available funds.
How to Apply for a Scholarship
1. Complete the appropiate UAPA Scholarship Application (click on link below)
2. For team projects, submit a brief project proposal for pre-approval before beginning research to ensure alignment with asphat industry topics.
3. Email your completed materials, subject "ATTN: Scholarship committee" to Carolee@utahasphalt.org by February 1st each year.
4. Recipients will be notified by phone and email.
Awardees are invited to present or be recognized during the Utah Asphalt Conference in February.
Building the Future, One Student at a Time
Through these scholarships, UAPA celebrates innovation, teamwork, and education -- helping Utah's next generation of engineers, builders, and thinkers pave the way toward a stronger, smarter future.