Helping Students Fund Their Vocational Training Investment
Scholarships aren’t just for university and college students—students who are training for the skilled trades can also get this sort of financial aid. Discover which scholarships could help you fund your investment in trade school.i
RSI Scholarship Requirements:
- Before applying for a scholarship, you will need to meet all standard admissions requirements and be scheduled to start training.
- Placement in shifts and classes is based on availability. Students may not transfer scholarships from one shift or program to another.
- Loss of a scholarship may result in three cases
- You change your start date.
- The average grade you earn for any course falls below a “B.”
- Your rate of attendance drops below 90 percent.
Home Depot Foundation – Path to Pro
StrataTech Education Group (Tulsa Welding School & The Refrigeration School) is committed to elevating the skilled trades, and bringing awareness to professions across multiple industries. We’ve partnered with the Home Depot Foundation and its Path to Pro program to provide subject matter around the fields of welding & refrigeration, to help equip participants with the fundamental skills and knowledge for a career in the trades. Read more about a scholarship that is offered from the Home Depot below!
What is it?
- $2,500 grants to applicants selected who apply quarterly.
When is it?
- Recipients are selected quarterly. Applications remain eligible for selection until graduation or completion of your training program.
- Last days to apply are the final days of March, June, September, & December for each quarter.
- Winners will be notified approximately 4-6 weeks after the application deadline.
- Applications remain eligible for selection until graduation or completion of your training program.
Who can Apply?
- High School seniors, graduates, or have a GED equivalent.
- Plan to enroll or be enrolled in Tulsa Welding School.
- Cannot be an employee or dependent of an employee of The Home Depot. Employees of The Home Depot and their dependents are eligible to apply for a scholarship from The Homer Fund.
How to Apply?
Institutional Scholarships
What is it?
- $5,000 awards to applicants selected.
- Up to 40 awards will be granted
- Awards are one-time only. Past recipients may not re-apply. For undergraduate study only.
When is it?
- Deadline to apply: January 16, 2025 3:00 pm CT
- You will be notified of the status of your application in March. Not all applicants to the program will be selected as recipients. Students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements. Past recipients may not re-apply.
- Payments are made in early August.
Who can apply?
- Must be a citizen of the United States or Canada.
- Be high school seniors or graduates, or current postsecondary undergraduate students.
- Plan to enroll or are enrolled in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year college or vocational-technical school for the entire 2025-2026 academic year.
- Majoring in a trade construction, industrial, motor/power sector, mechanics, or technology degree/certificate.
- Have or had a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)
How to apply?
- Each applicant will be required to submit an essay on the topic: “How will a career in construction and/or the trades empower your future?” The essay must be less than 300 words.
- Click here to apply
What is it?
- $5,000 grants for recipients
- Awards are paid directly to the school. Please review the acceptable use of funds policy via the Scholarship Details Link on the website link below.
When is it?
- Applications are accepted and awarded on a rolling basis until all funds have been disbursed.
- Scholarships must be used within 1 year of acceptance.
Who can apply?
- Enrolled or planning to enroll within one year, in a postsecondary educational training program (including community college, technical or vocational schools, training centers and/or universities).
- Pursuing educational training related to building automation.
- Pursuing or have obtained a high school diploma or GED.
- Priority focus currently for applicants in the Dallas, Texas area.
How to apply?
What is it?
- $5,000 grants for recipients
When is it?
- Applications are accepted and awarded on a rolling basis until all funds have been disbursed.
- Scholarships must be used within 1 year of acceptance.
- Applications remain eligible for selection until graduation or completion of your training program.
Who can apply?
- Enrolled or plan to enroll within one year, in a trades-based program, vocational school or community college in Maricopa County, AZ (Phoenix area) or surrounding communities.
- Pursuing training in a manufacturing related field, such as: Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Technology, Advanced/Smart Manufacturing, Industrial Manufacturing, Manufacturing Automation, Robotics, Equipment Service Techs, Operations Management, Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics and Autonomous Systems and/or related programs/fields of study.
- Pursuing or have obtained a high school diploma or GED.
- Employees and/or spouses or dependents of employees of Ball Corp are not eligible to apply.
How to apply?
Scholarships for Trade School Students
American homeowners have relied on TrustedPros to find and hire qualified contractors for home improvement projects since 2004. Thanks to the site’s customer reviews and ratings, as well as TrustRank’s business rating system, customers can screen contractors before hiring them, helping to ensure quality workii.
To help meet the demand for construction and home improvement specialists with the right skills in the coming years, TrustedPros created a scholarship program for students pursuing skilled trades training.
What is it?
- A $1,000 scholarship for students enrolled in a residential renovation or construction trade-related training programiii.
When is it?
- The deadline for the TrustedPros.com Scholarship is December 15 of each calendar year.iii
- Awards are announced on January 15 of the following calendar year.
Who can apply?
- U.S. or Canadian trade school students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
- Applicants must also have a demonstrated financial neediii.
How to apply?
- Write an essay of at least 1,000 words discussing how the trade you’re training to enter could be improved.
- Submit the essay, a copy of your most recent transcript and a letter demonstrating financial need to [email protected]iii.
National Technical Honor Society Scholarships
The National Technical Honor Society was founded in 1984 with the mission to honor student leadership and achievement in career and technical education, enhance career opportunities for NTHS members, promote educational excellence and award scholarships. Since that time, the NTHS has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships.iv.
What is it?
- The Jon H. Poteat Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship for current NTHS members who have not yet graduated from their trade school training program.
When is it?
- The application for the Jon H. Poteat Scholarship is open from September 1 to May 31.
- NTHS will award scholarships to 250 winners on June 15.
Who can apply?
- Eligible NTHS members.
How to apply?
- NTHS members who qualify can simply log in to the site, click on the “NTHS Scholarships” tile, and then click “Apply Now” under the description of the Jon H. Poteat Scholarship. Click here to log in to the member portalv.
- If you’re not a NTHS member but want to join, Click here to learn how. The main requirement to join is to be enrolled in a trade school or be planning to enroll after high school graduation. The cost is a one-time fee of $30. Read other requirements here.
What is it?
- Five scholarships of $2,000 each for current NTHS members training for a career in the construction tradesvi.
When is it?
- The application window for the NCCER & Build Your Future/NTHS Scholarship is October 1 through March 1. This is an annual scholarship, so check back at the website for when the next application window opens.v, vii, viii
Who can apply?
- Students who are currently NTHS members and training for the construction trades.v
- Learn more about becoming a member of the NTHS here.
How to apply?
- Current NTHS members can login to the member portal to apply.
What is it?
- Numerous scholarship opportunities for current members of NTHS and SkillsUSA.
When is it?
- The application window for the SkillsUSA/NTHS Scholarship is January 4 through April 2. This is an annual scholarship, so check back for the next application window dates.
Who can apply?
- Students who are active members of NTHS and SkillsUSAvii.
- See additional requirements here.
How to apply?
- Click here to check for when the application portal reopens.
Imagine America Foundation Scholarships
Established in 1982, the Imagine America Foundation (IAF) supports students at all phases of their paths through technical education research, career college training initiatives and scholarships for trade school students. The organization also promotes the benefits of career colleges to the general public. Since its inception, IAF has awarded more than $190 million to career college and university students.x.
What is it?
- Scholarships for high school seniors or recent high school graduates planning on enrolling or already enrolled in skilled trades training at an IAF-partner school. The scholarship award amount is $1,000.
When is it?
- Deadlines through this program vary with the scholarship. Complete the online application process for specific dates.
Who can apply?
- High school seniors or recent graduates pursuing vocational training at an IAF-partner schoolix.
How to apply?
- Apply online. Click here.
What is it?
- A scholarship for students 19 and older who are planning to train or already enrolled in a career education program. The scholarships award amount is $1,000vii.
When is it?
- Deadlines for the Imagine America Foundation Scholarship for Adult Students vary. Complete the online application for more details.
Who can apply?
- Students who are 19 years or older and planning on enrolling or already enrolled in a career education programxii.
How to apply?
- Apply online. Click here.
AmericanTrucks Student Scholarship Program
AmericanTrucks is an online retailer of light-duty pickup trucks that was founded in April 2017. A subsidiary of Turn5, Inc, the company sells parts and accessories for the Ford F150, Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram and other domestic trucks.xiii
Through its Positive Payload program, the company strives to help close the skills gap in the traditional building trades. To date, AmericanTrucks has contributed over $15,000 to local non-profit organizations. The company awards two scholarships valued at $2,500 each year.ix
What is it?
- A $2,500 scholarship for skilled trades training. You may apply for more than one scholarship while in school. Limit one scholarship per an award cycle.vix
When is it?
- There are two deadlines for AmericanTrucks’ Scholarships.
- Spring Scholarship: 12:00 p.m. on October 15
- Fall Scholarship: 12:00 p.m. on June 15
- Winners are notified by June 15 for the fall scholarship and November 15 for the spring scholarship.vix
Who can apply?
- High school seniors planning on attending an accredited building trades program in the next academic year.
- Full-time technical school students preparing for careers in the building trades.vix
How to apply?
- Write an essay of 750–1500 words. Explain who you are and the role you plan to play in a thriving community of trade workers who are committed to hands-on training.
- Submit the essay as a Microsoft Word document or PDF here. Include proof of enrollment. Click here. Include proof of enrollment.
SkillsUSA-Related Scholarships
Founded in 1965, SkillsUSA is a national membership association for middle school, high school and trade school students preparing for careers in the skilled trades. The organization partners with industry, students and teachers to ensure America has a skilled workforce. Throughout its history, SkillsUSA has served more than 13.5 million members.xi
SkillsUSA advances its mission by local chapter educational programs, district and state conferences and the SkillsUSA Championships. Through partnerships with other organizations, SkillsUSA offers several scholarships to eligible members.xii
What is it?
- Scholarships for SkillsUSA members who are planning to or currently training for careers in construction-related fields.
When it is?
- Check the website for the application deadline. Click here.
Who can apply?
- Members of SkillsUSA.
- Students planning to or currently pursuing training for careers in the construction trades.xiii
How to apply?
- Contact your Financial Aid Advisor.
What is it?
- A national competition for high school seniors judged by SkillsUSA judges with scholarships as the prizes. HVAC, welding fabrication and welding are the categories they can compete in.
- Awards are 100 percent tuition for the first-place winner, 50 percent tuition for the second-place winner and 25 percent tuition for the third-place winner.
When is it?
- The 57th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference and SkillsUSA Championships will be held virtually this year; however, select competitions will have localized hands-on elements. The conference is scheduled for June 21 – 24, 2021
Who can apply?
- SkillsUSA members.
- First-place medalists selected on a competitive basis during state competitions.
- Those who are registered with the organization and have attended the mandatory contest orientation meeting.
- Additional contest rules and requirements can be found in the SkillsUSA
- Championships Technical Standards. Click here for more information.
How to apply?
- In order to compete in the National Championships, you must be a member of SkillsUSA and win first place in the state competitions. Learn more here.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
Our financial aid advisors are standing by to answer your questions and help you with your scholarship applications, from filling out forms to providing letters to verify enrollment. Call today.
Additional Sources
ihttps://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/articles/vocational-and-trade-school-scholarships
iihttps://trustedpros.com/about
iiihttps://trustedpros.com/scholarships
ivhttps://nths.org/who-we-are/
vhttps://nths.org/scholarships-2/
vihttps://nths.org/blog/new-scholarship-opportunities/
viihttps://nths.org/scholarships-2/
viiihttps://nths.org/blog/new-scholarship-opportunities/
vixhttps://www.skillsusa.org/membership-resources/scholarships-financial-aid/national-technical-honorsociety/
xhttps://www.imagine-america.org/about-us/history-mission/
xihttps://www.imagine-america.org/students/scholarships-education/
xiihttps://www.imagine-america.org/students/scholarships-education/
xiiihttps://www.americantrucks.com/scholarships.html
xivhttp://www.wrksolutions.com/about-us
xvhttp://www.wrksolutions.com/for-individuals/financial-aid
xvihttps://www.skillsusa.org/about/overview/
xviihttps://www.skillsusa.org/membership-resources/scholarships-financial-aid/
xviiihttps://www.keepcraftalive.org/scholarships/
xixhttps://www.skillsusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2019-Championships-Flier.pdf
xxhttps://www.skillsusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/2019-Championships-Flier.pdf