ACEC Research Institute Scholarship
The ACEC Research Institute is the leading source of knowledge and thought leadership for creating a more sustainable, safe, secure, and technically advanced built environment. The Institute’s mission is to deliver information and business strategies that guide and elevate the engineering industry through research, forecasts, trend analysis and academic scholarships.
Through the ACEC Research Institute scholarship portal, qualified students have access to more than 100 scholarships totaling nearly $1 million in grants, including a $5,000 NCEES scholarship specifically designated for students from (insert your state), as well as both merit and need-based opportunities. The portal will automatically match students with ALL scholarships available to them based on their completed application.
Application deadlines vary, so students are encouraged to apply today!
ACEC Alabama Richard A. Groenendyke Scholarship Award
The ACEC Alabama Engineering Council will award a $5,000.00 academic scholarship to the top finalist.
Students must be entering their junior, senior, fifth, or master's degree year, in the fall of 2026 to qualify.
In addition, student applicants must be United States citizens pursuing a bachelor's or master's Degree in engineering or in an accredited land-surveying program to qualify. ABET accreditation of engineering programs for scholarship applicants must conform to the following to the particular degree the student is pursuing.
Bachelor’s Degree: Student must be enrolled ABET-accredited engineering or land surveying program in Alabama.
Master’s Degree: Student must either be in an ABET-accredited Master of Science (MS) engineering or land surveying program in Alabama or have a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from an ABET-accredited engineering or land surveying program in Alabama.
Students may receive only one ACEC Alabama Scholarship during the student’s academic career. For more information, contact Renee Casillas at rcasillas@aceca.org.
Apply for the 2026-2027 Scholarship Today!
About Richard A. Groenendyke
Richard A. Groenendyke’s leadership marked a defining era in the history of ACEC Alabama. As the organization’s first Executive Director in the early 1980’s, he laid the foundation for its growth, professional influence, and enduring commitment to advancing the engineering profession across the state. His vision extended beyond advocacy and organizational development — it reached into education and the future of engineering through the creation of the ACEC Alabama Scholarship Program.
When retired engineer, Richard A. Groenendyke assumed the role of Executive Director in the 1980’s, ACEC Alabama was in its formative years, transitioning from a small coalition of consulting engineers into a structured professional organization. Groenendyke recognized that for Alabama’s engineering community to thrive, it needed both a unified voice and a strong support system for future engineers.
Under his direction, ACEC Alabama established itself as a respected advocate for consulting engineering firms, representing their interests before state agencies, policymakers, and industry partners. Groenendyke’s leadership style was characterized by collaboration, integrity, and a deep understanding of the technical and ethical standards that define the engineering profession.
Among his most enduring contributions was the founding of the ACEC Alabama Scholarship Program. Groenendyke believed that the future of engineering depended on investing in the next generation of professionals. His initiative created a structured pathway for supporting students pursuing degrees in civil, mechanical, electrical, and related engineering fields.
The scholarship program was designed not only to provide financial assistance to engineering students but also to connect students with practicing engineers and firms across Alabama. This mentorship and exposure helped many young engineers begin successful careers in the consulting field. Over time, the program became one of ACEC Alabama’s most celebrated traditions, reflecting Groenendyke’s lasting commitment to education and professional excellence.
Groenendyke’s tenure as Executive Director established many of the operational and ethical frameworks that continue to guide ACEC Alabama today. His emphasis on professional development, advocacy, and education positioned the organization as a cornerstone of Alabama’s engineering community.
Through the scholarship program and his broader leadership, Groenendyke’s influence extends far beyond his years of service. The engineers who benefited from his vision — both directly and indirectly — continue to shape Alabama’s infrastructure, environment, and economic development.