Robert Smith Memorial Scholarship

The St. Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia and The Carpenters’ Company of the City and County of Philadelphia invite your institution or program to nominate one student to participate in the competitive award process for the Robert Smith Memorial Scholarship, a new collaborative initiative between the Society and the Company.

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of the Robert Smith Memorial Scholarship is to increase appreciation for colonial America’s premier architect and master builder while supporting the professional development of a current student pursuing education and/or employment in the traditional building trades. Robert Smith (1722-1777) was born in Scotland and moved to Philadelphia in the 1750s. His major projects include the steeple of Philadelphia’s Christ Church (the tallest building in colonial America), Nassau Hall at Princeton University, and Carpenters’ Hall, the meeting place for The Carpenters’ Company. He was a member of The Carpenters’ Company of Philadelphia (founded 1724) and The St. Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia (founded 1747). Smith was also a devout patriot to the Revolutionary cause, designing maritime defenses to thwart British warships in the Delaware River. He fell ill after installing these defenses and died in 1777 at the age of 55.

2. DETAILS OF SCHOLARSHIP

Number of scholarships available: One student from one of the participating institutions will be awarded a scholarship. The number of scholarships may be adjusted from time to time as funds allow.

Amount of award: The scholarship amount is $5,000. Ninety (90) percent of the award will be advanced with the award announcement, with 10 percent distributed after reporting at the January event.

Use of funds: Scholarship funds can be used for the regular costs associated with the recipient’s educational institution OR for costs associated with a special project defined by the student to enhance their learning or professional development. This could entail a Scotland-based apprenticeship, internship or other educational experience. Nominees interested in a Scotland-based learning opportunity should contact The Carpenters’ Company no later than one month before the deadline.

Tax implications: The scholarship recipient is responsible for any tax consequences that may flow from this award.

Number of nominees per school: Each invited institution may submit one nominee, as selected by that institution. Each nominee is automatically guaranteed a place in the competitive scholarship award process. They should accordingly plan to attend the Robert Smith Memorial Scholarship Committee lunch and interviews, which will be scheduled in November 2024 at Carpenters’ Hall

3. REQUIREMENTS

Qualified candidates must be:

Nominated by their institution
In good academic standing
A United States citizen

Scholarships are available to all students, regardless of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex or sexual orientation, age, physical disability, or financial need.

Portrait of master builder Robert Smith (1722-1777)

Each scholarship recipient is expected to:

Use the funds to: 1) cover the direct educational expenses related to their nominating institution; OR 2) underwrite travel and other costs associated with the specific learning opportunity described in their application
Attend the Robert Smith Birthday Celebration at Carpenters’ Hall in January, where the recipient will be announced and introduced. The following year, the recipient will attend again and give an informal (5 minutes or less) speech about the impact of the scholarship on their education and career path

While the applicants bring differing strengths to the scholarship process each year, the scholarship recipients are typically the candidates who submit a complete application and who demonstrate the following during the interview process:

A high level of enthusiasm
A respect of and genuine interest in others’ views and culture
Involvement in the community
A serious interest in the building trades as their intended career path
Strong interpersonal skills
A sense of humor and adventure
The ability to adapt to new and changing situations
Motivation, drive, and focus

4. APPLICATION

Please click HERE to complete an online application form. Nominees must either electronically attach the following documents to the form or mail your packet to the address listed at the bottom of this page. To access a printable application form and checklist, please click here.

Each nominee’s application packet must include the following:

A completed Application Form
A recent resume and/or samples of your work
A written essay (up to two pages) or video statement on their personal background, why they want to pursue a career in the building trades, the interest and value in their identified learning opportunity (if applicable); and why we should select them for the scholarship
A recent photograph
Two letters of recommendation – one from your school or program and one from an instructor of choice or another professional mentor
A current transcript or equivalent record of educational achievement
Contact information, including email and mailing address and telephone number

The completed application packet must be received either through the online submission form or via mail. DEADLINE EXTENDED: We are now accepting applications until Tuesday, October 29th, 2024.

If utilizing mail service delivery, please mail completed application packets to:

Emily Winters

The Carpenters’ Company of Philadelphia
320 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Questions? Please please contact Scholarship Coordinator Emily Winters at emilywinters@carpentershall.org.