Educational Foundation > Scholarships > A.O. Smith Scholarship Information

A.O. Smith

A.O. Smith
Scholarship Information


What Scholarships Are Awarded?

A.O. Smith Water Heaters awards up to two $2,500 scholarships to students enrolled in:
  1. A PHCC-approved apprentice program; or

  2. A full-time certificate or degree program at an accredited two-year community college, technical college or trade school; or

  3. An undergraduate degree program at an accredited four-year college or university.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Students who are citizens of the United States or Canada and are currently enrolled in or plan to enroll in:
  • A PHCC-approved plumbing or HVACR apprentice program. Students must also be working full-time for a licensed plumbing or HVAC contractor who is a member of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association. Approved majors are plumbing or HVACR installation, service and repair.


  • A full-time certificate or degree program at an accredited two-year community college, technical college, or trade school, with a major directly related to the plumbing-heating-cooling (p-h-c) profession. Approved majors are: business management; mechanical CAD design; construction management with a specialty in mechanical construction; and plumbing or HVACR installation, service and repair.


  • A full-time undergraduate degree program at an accredited four-year college or university, with a major directly related to the plumbing-heating-cooling (p-h-c) profession. Approved majors are: business management; construction management with a specialization in mechanical construction; and mechanical engineering.



    • Note:
    (1) Scholarships awarded through the PHCC Educational Foundation are designed to assist students who plan to major in a field of study directly related to the p-h-c industry. If an applicant plans to pursue a course of study in one of the approved major areas listed above, but the trade school, college or university uses a different name for their particular program, the applicant should submit official documentation from their school that describes the major and course of study.

    (2) To be considered a full-time student, applicants must be enrolled in at least 12 semester hours of credit or the minimum number of credits required by the applicant's institution to qualify for full-time student status, whichever is greater.


    What Required Materials and Supporting Documents Must Be Submitted?

    1. A completed scholarship application form (see below) that is typed and signed.


    2. The supporting information materials specified on the application form.


    3. The required academic information specified on the application form. Applicants who are not able to submit test scores or other required academic information should contact the Foundation Scholarship Coordinator to determine whether an exception can be made.


    4. A letter of recommendation from your high school principal or counselor, apprentice program instructor or college/university academic advisor or dean.


    5. A letter of recommendation from an active member of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association who has maintained active status for at least the one-year period prior to the date of the scholarship application. Applicants can search for a list of PHCC members in their area on the PHCC Web site under the heading "Find a Contractor." Note: PHCC members are not required to provide you with a letter of recommendation, it must be earned. Applicants should be willing to participate in an interview. Some applicants offer to participate in a job shadowing experience so that the PHCC member can assess the applicant's interest and aptitude.


    What is the Application Deadline?

    The application form and all required materials must be received at the PHCC Educational Foundation office no later than May 1st.

    Mail or fax completed application and supporting material to:
    PHCC Educational Foundation
    Scholarship Coordinator
    180 South Washington Street
    P.O. Box 6808
    Falls Church, VA 22046
    Fax: 703-237-7442


    How to Get an Application Form:

    1. Download the application, PDF format.
        For more information on PDF format, please click here.

    2. Call (800) 533-7694 and request one.


    Questions/Contact Information:

    Foundation Scholarship Coordinator
    P.O. Box 6808
    Falls Church, VA 22040
    Phone: (800) 533-7694
    Fax: 703-237-7442
    E-mail: naphcc@naphcc.org

    Scholarship recipients are selected without regard to race, color, creed, sex, age, or disability.