The SOPREMA Scholarship Program: A Recipient’s Review

By Molly Nelson, RCS Intern. 

Learn more about this scholarship opportunity unique to students pursuing degrees applicable to the building envelope industry. 

My experience 

I was a recipient of the SOPREMA Scholarship Program for two years in my undergraduate education. The overall experience was great, and the application process expectations were easy to understand, which made it less daunting to complete. Because of this, I encourage all who are eligible to apply.  

My eligibility for the scholarship was due to my undergraduate major in chemical engineering. I knew I had a passion for the building envelope industry since I grew up around my dad’s roofing business, Brown Roofing Company. I discovered in college that the building envelope industry is vast and has many opportunities for students and professionals of diverse interests. After my first two years in the engineering program, I discovered that my passion was focused more on the industry’s environmental management and sustainability side, and I made the executive decision to change my major. This resulted in the inability for me to reapply for the scholarship for the remaining years of my undergraduate degree.  

For those who meet the requirements for eligibility, this scholarship is a great opportunity and I am very thankful to SOPREMA for its aid in my professional development in the building envelope industry. I look forward to an exciting future in this industry as more students are provided the opportunity to grow their skills and engage with their passions. 

About the program 

The SOPREMA Scholarship Program is a great opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to invest in their future as the next generation of the building envelope industry. Offered by SOPREMA, the scholarship assists students pursuing degrees in architecture, engineering, construction management or a similar field at an accredited four-year college or university. This national scholarship awards $5,000 to each recipient, and up to four awards are granted each year. Although the awards are not renewable, students are encouraged to reapply each year of their studies for a chance to earn the scholarship again. 

The application process is a series of completed steps through a profile called MySOPREMA, which tracks the application process and saves unfinished components for later. The components of the application include: 

• An academic record  

• Demonstration of honors  

• Leadership and community activity engagement  

• Work experience  

• A completed essay   

• One recommendation  

Once submitted through the MySOPREMA portal, the application review process is completed by Scholarship America and is not based on financial need. 

For more information or to apply, visit the SOPREMA Scholarship Program web page. Applications for the 2022-2023 program year open October 1, 2021. 

Learn more about SOPREMA on its RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit soprema.us/.