WCEJ Thornton Foundation Tools of the Trade Scholarship

My entire life, I have watched my mother sacrifice everything for our family. She worked tirelessly to support my sibling and me, even when it meant giving up sleep, comfort, and rest. I remember nights when she would wake up at 2 in the morning to prepare for work, complete a long shift, come home exhausted, rest briefly, and then leave again for a second job. This was not temporary. It was her life for years. Because of her, we always had what we needed, even if we did not have everything we wanted. Watching her shaped my mindset early. It taught me that success is earned through discipline, consistency, and resilience. That lesson pushed me to start working at fourteen years old because I wanted to contribute in any way I could. Since then, I have worked in retail, warehouses, construction, siding, roofing, installation, chimney and fireplace work, gutters, painting, and some electrical work. These jobs built my work ethic and showed me the value of developing real skills through hard work. Through all of those experiences, I learned that I perform best in hands on environments, especially outdoors, where effort and skill matter. I have never been the type to stand still or do repetitive tasks without purpose. I work fast, stay focused, and hold myself to a high standard. In every job I have had, I pushed myself to outperform expectations because I take pride in my work. That is why I chose welding as my field. Welding stood out to me because it is not just physical labor. It requires precision, control, and technical skill. When I first tried welding with a friend, I immediately noticed the difference from other work I had done. Every movement matters, and every weld has to be done correctly for it to hold and last. That level of responsibility is what drew me in. Unlike many of the jobs I have had, welding challenges me to slow down and focus on accuracy while still applying the same strong work ethic I already have. It is a trade where discipline and attention to detail directly impact the quality of the work. That balance is exactly what I am looking for in a career. My background in construction and other labor intensive jobs has prepared me for this path. I understand safety, job site expectations, and the importance of doing work correctly the first time. Welding gives me the opportunity to take those experiences and turn them into a specialized, long term skill that builds something meaningful. I plan to complete my training, earn certifications, and become a skilled welder who can take on serious responsibility. I want a career, not just jobs, and welding gives me that direction. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to fully focus on my training and reduce the financial burden on my family. More importantly, it would help me build a future that reflects the discipline and work ethic my mother taught me through her sacrifices. I am not afraid of hard work. I was raised by it. Welding is where I can turn that mindset into a lasting career.

I intend to pursue upholstery, as I would love to make people's dream cars come to life. This is something I am greatly passionate about, and I've found it's a dying trade, as it takes so much patience, determination, and an eye for perfection. Growing up, this was always a path I had a heart to pursue, and there is nothing I love more than knowing that through my own hard work, I was able to make my dream come true. My name is Alexis Novell, and I am a student at WyoTech, where I've been studying for about a year and a half. I was raised with a passion for helping others, which has led me to attend many mission trips and spend my youth as a Girl Scout. At WyoTech I have had many astounding accomplishments. I've completed the automotive program and taken every specialty the school has had to offer. I am also a resident assistant, which allows me to connect with the students on campus as we work together to keep the campus clean and presentable. In my spare time I am a tutor and work for the amazing life skills department in hosting school-wide events to promote positive student bonding. One of my greatest achievements was being nominated and accepted as an Eagle Tech, which is the students at the top 3% of the school in grades, attendance, and leadership skills. What I enjoy most about this is that it allows me to help out the students in my classes. Additionally, I am the founder and president of Women of WyoTech (WOW), which is a club I created to give women a safe space where we can serve the community while also ensuring no one has to feel alone in this male-dominated field. The most important piece of this club for me is that it is able to create a support system for the incredible women attending this school. Another achievement I've acquired is a Good Samaritan Pin, which I was awarded for helping a person whose vehicle had broken down on the side of the road. Choosing the school that would be the most successful for me was an easy task, as WyoTech had always impressed me with the hands-on skills and the way that instructors care so much about each student. It is easy to say that I have never been somewhere with better people and better experiences. Having gotten to learn and train in such a great environment, I know that success is coming my way thanks to the great work ethic I have and have only gotten to build upon at this school. This scholarship, should I be accepted, would mean the world to me. Dedicating myself to my education was costly, and I know that the sooner I am out of debt, the sooner I can further let my career blossom. By gaining this scholarship to contribute to paying off student loans, I would sooner be able to invest in my career through the purchase of the tools required for my field of work. I will be graduating from school in 3 months, and needless to say, I am thrilled to be starting my journey. However, there are no words to truly express how grateful and honored I am to have the opportunity to pursue a career that I love so deeply. I greatly appreciate your consideration for this scholarship; thank you.

I believe I am a good candidate for this scholarship because I have been able to take my skills and put them into creating my own small business. Through this journey, I have found that I am not afraid of hard work, that I am dedicated to my craft, and willing to learn how to use new machines to advance my skills. I am very fortunate to have found my love and passion before I graduate high school. Discovering my passion at such an early age has led me to open my own business where I share my love of art and design with my clients. Running my own business has taught me many skills such as customer service skills, collaborating with clients to make their visions come to life, and marketing myself and my products within my community and social platforms. With that said, that doesn't mean the road that got me here has been smooth sailing. I have also had to learn to work on short deadlines. Learning this lesson at a young age has helped me better prepare myself for my future, and some of the different situations I will have to deal with in customer service. I have been able to create a name for myself in my community. This has led to many volunteer opportunities such as speaking on behalf of the importance of The Trades and Career Tech Ed. I have spoken for several fundraising galas and the local school board. I have also been selected by Chico Sunrise Rotary to collaborate with some digital art students at another local high school, as well as the City of Chico to fabricate metal signs for our local landmark, Caper Acres Park. The signs depict familiar nursery rhymes that align with the play structures of our park. To date, I have helped raise $14,500 by auctioning two signs at the Chico Sunrise Rotary fundraising gala. This collaboration has been an unbelievable honor. I have also featured in a local magazine publication with regards to this community project, as well as, my journey in creating my own small business. I am also excited to share that I will be interning with a local fabricator of F1 planes this summer! I feel incredibly honored to be given such an amazing opportunity that will help learn more about custom fabrication, business and entrepreneurship. My education plans include attending Casper College's Manufacturing and Automation Technology program. This program is a two year program where I will learn about different welding and manufacturing machines that I will use in the industry. Upon graduating from this program, I will have obtained an Associates of Applied Science degree in Manufacturing and Automation Technology, as well as a manufacturing technology certificate. After Casper I hope to continue my education at University of Wyoming and acquire a degree in business. I would use the knowledge and skills that I learned from both Casper College and University of Wyoming to start my own future custom fabrication business.

Why would I choose HVAC as my career? I chose HVAC because I became a husband, and what I experienced from a Philippines mission trip. When I turned 20, the year 2023, I met my soon to be wife in the Philippines. After meeting her everything changed for me. I needed tax history to get her to America, a stable job to provide for her, and become a quality husband/partner. My desires shifted from just living life as a young man to embracing the responsibility of a husband as a provider, caregiver, and leader. During this time,in 2023, my father started his own business. This was perfect timing for me because I needed a steady paycheck for two years to show the government. It was just us and hard work. After diligently working with my dad doing carpentry jobs, roofing jobs, flooring jobs, and rehabbing apartments for the last two years, I asked myself, what do I bring to the business? It’s November 2025 and my wife is now in the states. I have plenty of bills, and plans to start my own family. I need to be able to provide for us no matter what. I relied on my father and his knowledge. I’m just a helper. All these thoughts were going through my mind. So January 1st, 2026, I started praying about who I am, my purpose, my career. After two months of praying, I had this new strong desire to pursue HVAC. HVAC will offer stability for my family. Whether I’m working for myself, or someone else, I can go anywhere and find work. That’s my goal as a husband, and soon to be father, is provide and offer stability. My other reason for choosing HVAC is also connected to where I see it taking me in the future. While I was in the Philippines there were plenty of people that needed basic necessities like housing, running water, electricity, air conditioning. Missions will soften anyone’s heart. Seeing children struggle and families do anything for their next meal. I didn’t have all the tools before, but I plan to have them going forward. To see extreme poverty and dire situations will change your perspective of how blessed we are. The only way I’ll reach this goal to help others is if I obtain the knowledge first. It requires a lot of hard work and patience, but I know it will happen. My biggest goals are to change people's lives, provide for my family, and live a life pleasing to God. I grew up on a low income budget therefore I want to help people here that have less. I had parents that worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, and I want more than that for my kids. The bible says “He who is faithful with little, will be faithful with much.” I will be faithful with whatever I have now because I know an increase is coming. Increase for me and my family not just for us, but to help others. HVAC is the next step!

I chose the vocation of Band Instrument Repair because music has given me more than I could ever put into words, and I feel a strong responsibility to give something back to it. I have spent enough time around band rooms, rehearsals, and performances to understand that music is not just about the performers on stage. It is also about the people working quietly behind the scenes to make sure everything is possible. Instrument repair is my way of stepping into that role. I do not see this field as just a job or a technical skill set. I see it as a way to serve the music community in a meaningful and practical way. Instruments are not just objects. They are the voices of students, the tools of expression, and sometimes the only outlet a person has to communicate what they feel. When an instrument breaks, that voice gets interrupted. Being able to repair it means restoring that voice. That idea is what drew me to this path more than anything else. I have also learned that music is something you cannot just take from without giving back. I have benefited from band programs, teachers, and instruments that were maintained and made playable by people I never even met. Because of that, I feel like it would be selfish to only enjoy music without contributing to the system that makes it possible. Choosing instrument repair is my way of giving back to something that has shaped me. It is a way to invest in future students, future performers, and future moments of music that I may never personally see but will still help create. What also makes this vocation a good fit for me is the nature of the work itself. I enjoy hands-on problem solving and working carefully with details that matter. Band Instrument Repair requires patience, focus, and precision. It is not about rushing through tasks, but about doing things correctly so that the instrument functions the way it was meant to. I like the idea of working on something until it is right, especially when I know that the result will directly impact someone’s ability to make music. After training, I hope to work in a repair shop or with a music program where I can continue learning and improving my skills. I want to become someone that directors, students, and musicians can rely on when their instruments need help. Over time, I hope to grow into a highly skilled technician who can handle a wide range of repairs and possibly mentor others entering the field. In the end, I chose this vocation because it allows me to stay connected to music in a meaningful way while also serving others. I cannot imagine taking from music without giving something back in return. Band Instrument Repair gives me the opportunity to support musicians, strengthen music programs, and help ensure that no student is held back because of a broken instrument.

My name is Daniel Gomez and I am a motivated young man with a strong interest in building a stable and meaningful career as an electrician. I enjoy working with my hands, solving problems and understanding how things work behind the scenes. Since, I was a little boy, I found myself curious about electrical systems. Whether it was helping fix small issues at home or learning how circuits work in school. In May 2026, I will be graduating from AAEC High School with not only my high school diploma but also with my Associates Degree at South Mountain Community College. I am a motivated individual that works very hard to be successful in not only in life but also for my future career. I have enrolled with RSI trade school and start June 1st, 2026. I realized that a traditional four year college path was not the best fit for me. Instead, I wanted a career that offers practical skills, job stability, and the opportunity to grow through hands on experience. Electricians play a critical role in keeping homes, businesses, and communities running safely and efficiently, and I want to be part of that. I am highly interested in this trade because of the constant demand for skilled workers and the opportunity for advancement. My goal is not only to become a licensed electrician but to specialize in areas such as residential wiring or renewable energy systems. I am excited about the idea of contributing to modern energy solutions and helping communities transition toward more sustainable practices. Financially. pursing trade school is a significant commitment for me and my family. This scholarship would help ease that burden and allow me to focus fully on my education and training. I am committed to working hard, maintaining strong attendance, and taking full advantage of the opportunities provided through this program. Overall, I am determined, hardworking, and eager to learn. I believe that pursuing a career as an electrician will allow me to build a secure future while doing work that I genuinely enjoy. I was given the opportunity to volunteer and spend some time with my family member named Jarrell Childers, who runs his own electrician business. It was a great opportunity to learn and ask questions. What excites me the most about becoming an electrician is the combination of precision and responsibility. My goal is to also become a licensed electrician and eventually run my own small business, providing reliable and honest service in my community. Thank you for considering my application.

Growing up as a low-income Black woman, I constantly heard people treat cosmetology like it was not a “real” career. In my community, hairstyling was often viewed as something all Black women simply knew how to do, not something worthy of education, respect, or long-term success. People saw the finished hairstyle, but they did not see the artistry, the science, the discipline, or the impact behind it. Pursuing this field while also navigating financial limitations made it even harder to view it as something with stability or long-term opportunity. For years, I believed those limitations myself. I thought success in beauty only meant gaining clients, posting content online, and making money from hair. Even while I was talented and building clientele, I did not fully understand how many avenues truly existed within this field because those conversations were rarely happening around me. Everything changed after experiencing hair loss and grief personally following the loss of my mother. I began to understand that cosmetology is not just beauty — it is healing, restoration, confidence, and care. That realization pushed me to pursue more than traditional hairstyling and become a certified cranial prosthesis specialist while returning to cosmetology school at 30 years old. What many people do not realize is that beauty professionals can become specialists in areas such as trichology, hair restoration, scalp health, and cranial prosthetics. We are not “just hairstylists.” We are artists, entrepreneurs, educators, scientists, and confidence restorers. We help people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, whether they are experiencing hair loss, illness, trauma, postpartum changes, or insecurity. One thing I have noticed is that fields like trichology are still not widely recognized or supported the way traditional trades are. Many people do not even know these career paths exist, and because of that, there is often limited access to federal aid, scholarships, and educational opportunities compared to more traditional vocational paths. That lack of visibility is one of the reasons I feel so strongly about speaking up and creating change within this industry. My goal is not only to build a successful career for myself, but to open a hair academy and hair loss clinic that educates and empowers other women — especially Black women and underrepresented individuals — to see cosmetology as a respected, impactful, and limitless profession. I want young women who are constantly told “doing hair is not a real career” to see someone who challenged that mindset and built purpose from it. I plan to use my voice, education, and future business to advocate for greater recognition of specialized beauty careers like trichology and cranial prosthetics. I want to help create more opportunities, resources, and respect for women entering this field. Cosmetology deserves to be viewed as more than social media content or a side hustle. It is a profession capable of changing lives, restoring confidence, and creating generational impact.

The kitchen has always been my laboratory, my sanctuary, and the place where I feel most aligned with my true potential. My formal introduction to this world began during high school, when I enrolled in a competitive technical school program for culinary arts. It was there, amidst the clatter of pans and the ticking of the kitchen timer, that I discovered that a professional kitchen requires an intense blend of precision, discipline, and creativity. I didn’t just participate in the program; I thrived. I graduated from both my traditional high school and the technical program with a 3.7 GPA. This achievement was a direct reflection of my dedication to mastering everything from classic mother sauces and knife skills to food safety and inventory management. I proved to my instructors, and to myself, that I had the work ethic required to excel in this demanding industry. ​However, life rarely follows a linear recipe. Shortly after graduation, my path took an unexpected turn when I became a young mother. Suddenly, my immediate focus had to shift from commercial kitchens to caring for my child, which meant putting my dreams of higher culinary education on temporary pause. While some might view this intermission as a setback, I see it as the period that forged my greatest strengths. Becoming a mother did not extinguish my ambition; it amplified it. Parenthood became a masterclass in time management, crisis resolution, and resourcefulness—skills that are absolutely vital in a high-pressure kitchen environment. I learned how to operate on limited sleep, adapt to rapidly changing situations, and manage a household budget with extreme discipline. My desire to build a stable, successful, and inspiring future for my child has given me a level of focus and drive that I did not possess as a teenager. ​Now, I am ready to step back into the kitchen to fulfill my ultimate professional vision: launching and operating my own food truck business. I am deeply drawn to the food truck model because it represents the ultimate test of a chef’s adaptability. Within a mobile kitchen, a chef must be an expert in spatial efficiency, a master of a streamlined menu, a savvy marketer, and an agile business administrator. My previous technical training gave me the foundational hands-on skills, but to build a mobile business that is truly sustainable and profitable, I need the advanced culinary techniques and business management principles that only this degree program can offer. I want to bridge the gap between being a talented line cook and becoming a successful culinary entrepreneur. ​Returning to school as a non-traditional student is a deliberate, highly motivated choice. I am entering this program with a clear objective and the maturity required to achieve it. I possess the mise en place mindset—I am organized, I am prepared, and I understand how to execute a plan under pressure. However, the financial reality of tuition is the primary obstacle standing between my current circumstances and my entrepreneurial goals. ​Receiving this scholarship would be a transformative investment not just in my education, but in the future of my family and my community. It would alleviate the financial pressure of tuition, allowing me to focus entirely on maintaining the same 3.7 GPA standard of excellence that defined my early training. I am fully prepared to embrace the heat of the kitchen, put in the long hours, and refine my craft to meet the highest standards of the culinary world. I am incredibly grateful for your time, your consideration, and the opportunity to turn my resilience into a lifelong career.

I chose culinary arts because it has been the most consistent and defining part of my life. I have been cooking since early childhood to help support my low income family of seven in San Diego, California. With four siblings and two parents cooking has never been just a hobby for me. It was my daily responsibility that became my passion and career. Before I was even tall enough to see over the counter  I was learning how to stretch a pound of ground beef to feed seven people. This necessity taught me resourcefulness, time management, and how to preform under pressure-skills that I know now are essential to work in professional kitchen. I am pursuing trade school instead of traditional college because hand on experience will make me more skilled, and employed to becoming a chef faster. I am 17 years old and ready to work in the the field, but I lack tools, and certifications that employees require for even an entry level position. Culinary school apprenticeship align with how I learn best: by doing. I have spent my entire life trough action and not textbooks. When you grow up in a household where dinner depends on your ability to cook, you learn quickly that mistakes cost money and time.that environment created work ethnic that cannot be taught in a lecture hall. As the oldest sister out of five I understand responsibility, budgeting , and feeding people with limited resources, I know how to plane meals around sales,  substitute ingredients, and make nutritious food form what ever is available. These are the same costcontrol and inventory skills that restaurants need to stay profitable. I also know how to lead under stress. Managing dinner every night for seven  well my parents were at work taught me how to delegate, prioritize , and keep calm when things go wrong. Tools of the trade funding will help me cover essential knives, uniforms, reliable transportation,  and a certification cost so I can secure  my first professional job in the kitchen. right now, the biggest barrier between me and employment’s is coast. A quality knife set alone cost several hundred. A ServeSafe  certification is required by most kitchens in California and I cannot afford the exam fee. Public transportation in San Diego dose not run to many restaurants district late at night when my shift ends. This funding would remove those barriers in allow me to focus on working and learning.  My immediate goal is to become a professional and achieve financial stability. I plan to start as prep cook our line cook well, continuing my education through apprenticeship. Long-term, i want to travel the world and learn more about the people food and culture and to help out all different kind of communities, hoping i can get as much knowledge as needed. I know how it feel To be hungry,  and how it feels to be ashamed for food insecurities. But I also know how empowering it is to take control of that situation through cooking. Investing in my trade in education is investing in someone who will use it to serve others. I’m not asking for a handout, i’m asking for the tools to what I’ve been already doing my entire life. Put on a professional level I have to drive, the experience, and the worst ethic, what I lack is access. With this scholarship, I will turn into a survival skills I learned at home into a career that gives back. I will become the chef I was raised to be. 

Why I Chose the Facial Specialist Field Choosing to attend facial specialist school and pursue a vocational trade is an important step toward achieving my long-term goals. As a licensed nail technician and business owner, I have already experienced how rewarding it is to help people feel more confident about themselves. Through my work, I have seen firsthand how something as simple as a nail enhancement can completely change the way a person feels when they walk out of my salon. Seeing my clients smile, feel empowered, and gain confidence has inspired me to expand my skills and services even further. I chose this field because beauty is about much more than appearance. It is about helping people feel comfortable, confident, and happy in their own skin. Every day, I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on someone’s life through my work. Whether it is creating a beautiful set of nails for a special occasion or helping someone feel polished and put together, I love being part of that transformation. The confidence my clients gain from these services motivates me to continue growing in the beauty industry. Attending facial specialist school will allow me to expand my business and offer a wider variety of services, including lash extensions, brow services, makeup, skincare treatments, and waxing. By learning these skills, I will be able to serve more clients and help them achieve their personal beauty goals. I want to create a space where people can come not only to enhance their appearance but also to feel cared for, valued, and confident. My passion for this field also comes from my own experiences. I know how much confidence beauty services can provide because I have felt that confidence myself. Whether it is having my nails done, getting my brows shaped, or feeling put together for an important event, those small changes can make a huge difference in how a person carries themselves. Because I know how powerful that feeling can be, I want to share it with others. I want every client who sits in my chair to leave feeling more confident than when they arrived. Vocational education is the perfect path for me because it provides hands-on training and real-world skills that I can immediately apply to my business. I have already demonstrated my commitment to this career by becoming licensed as a nail technician while still in high school and building my own business at a young age. Continuing my education through facial specialist school will allow me to grow professionally, expand my services, and create even more opportunities for myself and my clients. My goal is not only to build a successful beauty business but also to make a positive impact on the people I serve. By pursuing a career as a facial specialist, I can continue helping others feel beautiful, confident, and empowered every day. That ability to uplift others is what makes this field so meaningful to me and why I am passionate about continuing my education in the beauty industry.

I chose welding as my vocation because it offers a hands-on, meaningful career where I can use my skills to create, build, and repair things that are important in everyday life. I have always been more interested in working with my hands than sitting at a desk, and welding gives me the opportunity to stay active while also learning valuable technical skills. It is a trade that requires focus, patience, and precision, and those are qualities I am motivated to develop as I grow in this field. One of the main reasons I chose welding is because I enjoy seeing the direct results of hard work. In welding, every project has a clear purpose and outcome. Whether it is constructing metal frameworks, fixing broken equipment, or helping build infrastructure, the work has real-world value. There is a strong sense of accomplishment that comes from finishing a weld and knowing it contributes to something larger. That feeling of progress and purpose is something I want in my career. Another reason I chose welding is because it is a field that provides strong job opportunities and long-term stability. Skilled welders are needed in many industries such as construction, manufacturing, automotive repair, shipbuilding, and energy production. These industries will continue to need trained workers, which makes welding a reliable career path. I want a job where I can build financial independence and have the ability to support myself in the future, and welding gives me that opportunity. Welding also interests me because there are many different paths for growth and specialization. As I gain experience, I can develop advanced skills in areas such as structural welding, pipe welding, or fabrication. There are also certifications that allow welders to improve their qualifications and access better job opportunities. This kind of growth keeps the career challenging and prevents it from becoming repetitive. I like that I can continue learning and improving throughout my entire career. Safety and discipline are also a big part of welding, which is something I respect. Working with heat, metal, and equipment requires responsibility and attention to detail. I am willing to take the time to learn proper techniques and follow safety procedures to ensure high-quality work. I understand that success in welding does not happen overnight, and I am prepared to put in the effort to build my skills step by step. Most importantly, I chose welding because I want a career that I can be proud of. I want to be known as someone who works hard, stays committed, and takes pride in what I do. Welding is not just a job to me—it is a long-term career path that can help me grow as a person and provide a strong foundation for my future. It gives me purpose, direction, and the chance to build something meaningful with my own hands every day.

My path toward automotive repair began on July 5, 2021, my first day working at Take 5 Oil Change. It may seem like an ordinary date to some people, but I will never forget it because it was the day I discovered a career that genuinely excited me. From my first oil change, I found myself eager to learn more about vehicles and how they work. What started as a job quickly became a passion. After work, I spent countless hours watching instructional videos and researching repairs so I could help maintain my family’s vehicles. The more I learned, the more confident I became. Although I have gained valuable hands-on knowledge through self-study and experience, I know that formal automotive training is the next step in turning my passion into a long-term career. I want the skills, certifications, and professional education that will allow me to become a highly qualified automotive technician. My journey has not been easy. I have faced significant obstacles throughout my life, including having to relocate after my home was affected by gun violence. More recently, I became a single mother just three months after giving birth to my son in 2023. Since the age of sixteen, I have been responsible for carrying my own weight and working hard to support myself. Today, I balance the responsibilities of raising a two-year-old child while pursuing my education and trying to build a stable future. One of my greatest challenges is financial hardship. My income is limited, and transportation is a constant obstacle. There are times when getting to work, school, or training programs requires careful planning and sacrifice. However, these challenges have never diminished my determination. I am willing to take public transportation, work hard, and make whatever sacrifices are necessary to achieve my goals. I am not looking for an easy path; I am looking for an opportunity. Beyond my career ambitions, I believe strongly in helping others. I have volunteered with local food banks and regularly donate to thrift stores. My son and I often spend time in downtown Portsmouth, where we make an effort to help individuals experiencing homelessness by providing meals, listening to their stories, and treating them with dignity and respect. These experiences have taught me the value of compassion, perseverance, and community service. Receiving the Autel Awarding Excellence Scholarship would help me begin and continue my automotive education by reducing the financial barriers that currently stand in my way. It would allow me to focus more on my training, earn industry-recognized credentials, and move closer to a career that I am truly passionate about. Most importantly, it would help me build a stable future for myself and my son. My goal is to become a skilled automotive technician with the knowledge and certifications necessary to succeed in the industry. I want to prove that determination, hard work, and resilience can overcome difficult circumstances. This scholarship would not only support my education—it would be an investment in a future technician who is committed to learning, serving others, and making a positive impact in the automotive field. Thank you for your consideration.

Hello my name is Elijah Begay i graduated from Miyamura high school i am going to Western Welding Academy in September. I grew up with a single parent always having trouble with money and also trying to help provide for my family by helping my family out on the reservation. I help my moms side of the family by taking care of their cattle and fixing fences. This is how my life is living with little to no income just me and my mom trying to make ends meet but i want to change that and become some one who can be relied on someone who is successful and is proud to be where i want to be at. I first started welding when i started to fix my own fence by welding the fences together and this taught me many things teaching my how to work for what i want and i have to earn and work hard for things that i want and nothing is free in this life i have to learn to get it on my own. When i fixed my first fence my family was proud of me i was finally someone who they can count on the man of the house someone who can be the foundation of the family and i found that our from a very young age. And, its hard trying to balance a work life at home with school and sports. I used to run in high school i did track and cross country and this also taught me many things for example to focus on what i want to achieve and it will happen and i still live by that saying it keeps my mind right it keeps me balance and humble it taught me how to live life the right way. That's how welding is for me to keep going in life i have to stay focused keep myself in check stay humble because if you get to cocky you mess up and that's what welding means to me its my life it will always be in my life no matter what teaching me many things making me better each and everyday. This scholarship can help me achieve my goals in life by getting into my dream school and living the life i want by getting a job that can provide for me and my family so we don't have to live struggling to get by in life and working so hard for so little outcomes. Western Welding Academy can help me change my life around and this scholarship can help me get one step into life on the right track and not on the wrong foot something me and my family have worked so hard for this is what we all want especially me i want to live life comfortable not stressing no worries i just want to live life to its fullest having fun and being who i am meant to be. This scholarship can change me and my family's life around and my own family in the future allowing me to give my kids in the future the life they want without having the struggle to worry about me and the parents. Thank you for reading my essay and my life and how i had to live working for what i want and trying to earn what i worked for. Hopefully this essay makes you consider giving me a chance in life and giving me a opportunity to change my life around and make something out of it thank you.

Why I Chose HVAC Choosing a career is one of the biggest decisions I have made, and after thinking about my future, I decided that HVAC is the right path for me. I wanted a career that would give me job security, allow me to work with my hands, and provide opportunities to continue learning and growing. HVAC stood out because it offers all of those things. I know that becoming an HVAC technician will take hard work and dedication, but I am excited to begin this journey and build a successful future. One of the biggest reasons I chose HVAC is because it is a career that is always needed. Homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses all depend on heating and air conditioning systems to keep people comfortable throughout the year. These systems need to be installed, maintained, and repaired by trained professionals. Knowing that my skills will always be useful gives me confidence that I will have a stable career with many opportunities. I also like the idea of working in a field where every day is different. Each job presents a new challenge, and I enjoy solving problems and learning how things work. Another reason I chose HVAC is because I prefer hands-on learning instead of sitting at a desk all day. I enjoy learning practical skills that I can use in real life. HVAC allows me to work with tools, technology, and equipment while helping people. It also gives me the chance to work both independently and as part of a team. I believe this type of work matches my personality because I like staying active and accomplishing tasks that have a clear purpose. This fall, I will be attending Tidewater Tech to begin my HVAC training. I am looking forward to gaining hands-on experience, learning from experienced instructors, and developing the skills I need to succeed in the industry. I know there will be challenges, but I am ready to work hard and stay focused on my goals. I want to become someone who is dependable, skilled, and always willing to learn. In the future, I hope to build a successful career as an HVAC technician. I want a job where I can continue growing, earn a good living, and make my family proud. I also like that HVAC offers opportunities to specialize, advance, or even own a business someday. Choosing HVAC is more than just picking a career—it is choosing a future filled with opportunities, stability, and personal growth. I am excited to take this next step and work toward achieving my goals.

I chose the electrical field because I want a career that challenges me, provides stability, and allows me to build something meaningful with my own hands. Growing up, I always admired people who could solve problems, fix things, and create something that others depend on every day. Electricity is a part of nearly everything in modern life, and knowing how to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems is a skill that will always be valuable. One reason I am drawn to this field is that I enjoy hands-on work. I learn best by doing, and I like seeing the results of my effort. The electrical trade combines physical work with technical knowledge, which makes it both challenging and rewarding. Every project requires attention to detail, critical thinking, and a commitment to safety. Those are qualities I want to continue developing throughout my career. Another reason I chose this path is because I want to create a better future for myself. I have faced financial challenges and housing instability, which has made me appreciate the importance of having a stable and reliable career. Instead of letting those obstacles stop me, they motivated me to work harder and focus on building a life where I can support myself and achieve my goals. The electrical field offers opportunities for growth, advancement, and long-term success for people who are willing to put in the effort. My long term goal is to become a licensed contractor and continue expanding my skills in the skilled trades. Eventually, I hope to start my own contracting business. I want to build a career that not only provides financial security but also allows me to help others through dependable, high quality work. Owning a business would give me the opportunity to create jobs, serve my community, and continue growing professionally. Pursuing an education in the electrical field is an important step toward achieving these goals. However, the costs of training, certifications, tools, and education can be difficult to manage. Receiving scholarship support would help reduce those financial barriers and allow me to focus on learning and developing my skills. I am committed to working hard, continuing my education, and making the most of every opportunity I receive. The electrical field represents more than a career to me,it represents a path toward independence, stability, and a brighter future. I am excited about the opportunities this career path can provide and look forward to contributing my skills, dedication, and strong work ethic to the electrical industry for many years to come.

Dear Thornton Foundation, I am writing to sincerely express why receiving this scholarship would mean so much to me and my future. I grew up on the westside of Atlanta, where opportunities can sometimes feel limited and financial struggles are a part of everyday life for many families, including mine. Even with the challenges I have faced, I have stayed determined to create a better future for myself and my mother through education, hard work, and dedication. This August, I will be attending Lincoln Tech to pursue a career in HVAC. Before starting school, I am also participating in a 20-day Construction Ready program where I will earn industry certifications and gain hands-on experience that will help prepare me for the workforce. I chose HVAC because I want a career that allows me to build long term stability, support my family, and eventually create opportunities for myself that I never had growing up. For most of my life, it has mainly been just me and my mom trying to make things work. We do not have a strong support system or family members who are able to help financially. Watching my mother work hard while still struggling has motivated me to push myself harder and take my future seriously. I do not want her to continue carrying the stress of financial hardship on her own. My goal is to one day be able to support her the way she has always supported me. Although I am excited about attending Lincoln Tech, I am also worried about the financial burden that comes with it. The cost of tuition, tools, transportation, and student loans weighs heavily on me every day. There are moments where I feel overwhelmed thinking about how I will afford everything while trying to stay focused on school and building a career. Still, I continue pushing forward because I know this opportunity could completely change my life. Receiving this scholarship would help relieve some of that stress and allow me to focus more on my education and career goals instead of constantly worrying about finances. I am willing to work hard for every opportunity I receive, and I plan to use my education to build a successful future not only for myself, but for my mother as well. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and consider my application. Your support would truly make a life-changing difference for me and my future.

Growing up in a family of hardworking blue collar men, it was only natural that I followed suit, but now with the intention of normalizing strong women in the trades. My family has always been in the trades, from general construction to specialized fields, we have also always played a part in elevating our communities and adjacent communities through our knowledge and skills. From community outreach programs that help to construct buildings, to adding acoustical paneling to church buildings for noise control we have always had the mentality to give back. Joining the electrical field allows me to pave the way for a new generation of skilled workers within my family, and a new way to help our communities. Once I have completed school and gained the required licensure, I am interested in working with EWWB (Electrical Workers Without Borders) to lend my expertise to underserved communities. My main intentions are focused on safe electrical work that is efficient and reliable. There are many communities, especially overseas, that have a large amount of injuries and fatalities due to faulty electrical work. In addition, there are also many communities that struggle without an electrical grid at all. I intend to create a nonprofit that brings solar technology to communities without power. This will allow these communities to have access to technology that will make their lives healthier and more manageable, whether it is through food preservation or water delivery methods. In addition to being able to use my skills for my community, I also was interested in the electrical field for self-sufficiency reasons. I grew up with a curiosity for thirst for knowledge. I have always wanted to learn how to do various things, and due to limited finances most of my adult life, I have always had a need to be self sufficient. Through my curiosities I have learned how to fix various parts of my car, rewire appliances, replace windows, and more. Working with my hands has always come natural to me, and it is something I truly enjoy. My hope is that with earning scholarships and relieving financial strain, I can better focus on my next steps towards providing for my family and helping my community and the underserved communities around the world. I hope to be able to funnel all of my energy towards my goal of creating a nonprofit and bringing SAFE electrical work to the people who need it and can benefit from it.

I've always been a very artistic person, tracing all the way back to elementary school, where I spent countless hours filling out different sketchbooks and taking them everywhere with me. Drawing became one of my favorite ways to spend my time, and I was constantly coming up with new ideas, characters, and stories. As I got older, this passion only continued to grow, and I found myself wanting to really hone my skills and push myself as an artist. Because of this, I applied to Las Vegas Academy of the Arts for Visual Arts. I got accepted and attended from 2020–2023. During my time there, I was exposed to a wide variety of artistic disciplines and techniques. I learned color theory, worked with oil paints and colored pencils, practiced realism, learned how to stylize a work, and explored sculpture. Name it, and I likely had it for at least one assignment. The experience helped me build a strong artistic foundation while also encouraging me to experiment with different forms of creative expression. During high school as well, I started to really experiment with my makeup. This started in 2020, when I was stuck at home and suddenly had a lot more time on my hands. At first, I was drawing big messy wings and stars on my face. The time alone let me get past the initial awkward stage, and the upcoming year I was doing my makeup every morning at 4 AM. I found myself researching techniques, trying new products, and trying to find new inspirations in different places. The more I practiced, the more confident I became in my abilities. In 2022, I started to really get into the goth subculture and started to experiment with trad goth makeup. It started off messy, but I didn't let that stop me. Like anything else, it took time, patience, and a lot of trial and error. I found out what did and didn't work, what products gave good coverage, and what lasted throughout my day. Over time, I became much more comfortable with the techniques involved and started developing my own approach to the style. After I graduated, I started to turn my goth makeup into drag makeup, exaggerating it in ways inspired by people like Trixie Mattel and the Boulet Brothers. I became increasingly interested in pushing proportions, experimenting with dramatic contouring, and trying to make my makeup resemble a character rather than directly just glam. I found a real love for horror-inspired drag in particular, thanks to Dragula. I also love doing more experimental looks with fun colors and new techniques, constantly looking for ways to challenge myself creatively. Whether I'm creating something dark and horror-inspired, bright and colorful, or completely abstract, I enjoy the process of turning an idea into a finished look. What I love about makeup is the way it can transform a person. You can't define it and put it one certain box. It can be as simplistic as a quick natural look, as glamorous as bridal, or as transformative as special effects.

I chose welding because it combines everything I enjoy most: creativity, problem-solving, and working with my hands. I have always been the kind of person who prefers making something rather than simply reading about it. Long before I knew welding would become my career goal, I enjoyed creating things and exploring different crafts. When I learned that San Dieguito Academy offered metalworking and welding classes, I transferred there during my senior year specifically so I could participate in the program. It ended up being one of the best decisions I have ever made. My experience in the metals program showed me that welding is much more than joining pieces of metal together. It is a skill, an art form, and a trade that has a direct impact on the world around us. Every building, bridge, vehicle, playground, and piece of public infrastructure depends on skilled tradespeople. I was drawn to the idea of learning a skill that is both practical and creative, one that allows me to build things that people can use and appreciate for years to come. One of the biggest influences on my decision was my metals teacher, Mr. Moreau. His enthusiasm for metalworking was contagious. Even while our workshop was undergoing major renovations and we had limited equipment available, he constantly found ways to keep students engaged and learning. Instead of focusing on what we lacked, he focused on what we could create. His passion for teaching and metalworking helped me realize that welding was something I genuinely wanted to pursue beyond high school. During my time in the program, I completed Metals 1, Jewelry and Metal Art, and Weld/Metal Fabrication. I also served as a teacher’s assistant, helping other students and supporting classroom activities. These experiences helped me gain confidence in my abilities while also teaching me responsibility, patience, and teamwork. I discovered that I enjoyed not only creating projects myself but also helping others learn and succeed. As a woman entering a field that has traditionally been male-dominated, I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to a growing and changing industry. I want to be part of a generation that helps make the trades more welcoming and accessible to everyone. Representation matters, and I hope that by pursuing welding professionally, I can encourage other young women to consider careers in the skilled trades as well. After high school, I plan to attend Palomar College and pursue welding certifications and an associate degree. My goal is to gain professional experience in welding and fabrication while continuing to develop my artistic skills. I am particularly interested in combining functional metalwork with artistic design. In the future, I hope to create large-scale fabricated pieces for public spaces, such as decorative gates, bridges, park features, and other structures that are both useful and visually interesting. This scholarship would help me obtain the tools, equipment, and training necessary to continue pursuing this path. Welding is a career that requires dedication, education, and specialized equipment, but I believe the investment is worthwhile. Welding has given me a sense of direction, purpose, and excitement for the future. It is not only the vocation I have chosen but also the field where I feel I can make the greatest contribution through both skill and creativity.

Choosing a career path was not something that came easily to me. When I graduated from North Andover High School in 2022, I was not completely sure what I wanted to do with my life. While many of my classmates went directly to college, I decided to take some time to work, gain experience, and learn more about myself before making such an important decision. Looking back, that time helped me discover my strengths and ultimately led me to the field of Aviation Maintenance. I have always enjoyed working with my hands and figuring out how things work. I am naturally curious about mechanical and electrical systems, and I find satisfaction in solving problems and fixing things. To explore these interests, I enrolled in an Electrical Program at Whittier Technical High School. During that program, I learned about electrical systems, troubleshooting techniques, safety procedures, and the importance of precision and attention to detail. The experience showed me that I thrive in technical environments and enjoy work that requires both knowledge and practical skills. After completing the program, I began to think seriously about careers where I could apply these abilities. Aviation Maintenance stood out to me because it combines everything I enjoy: technology, mechanics, problem-solving, and hands-on work. What makes this field especially meaningful is the level of responsibility involved. Aviation technicians play a critical role in ensuring that aircraft are safe and reliable. Knowing that my work could directly contribute to the safety of passengers and crews gives me a strong sense of purpose. Another reason I chose this field is the opportunity for long-term growth and stability. The aviation industry continues to need skilled maintenance professionals, and I see this as a career where I can continue learning and advancing throughout my life. I am motivated by the challenge of mastering complex systems and earning the certifications necessary to become a highly qualified technician. My journey has not been without challenges. My parents divorced when I was young, and I have faced financial and personal obstacles while trying to establish myself as an independent adult. These experiences have taught me resilience, responsibility, and the importance of hard work. Today, I work at ZOLL Medical in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, where I continue to develop technical and professional skills. Every step I have taken has reinforced my desire to pursue a career where dedication and precision make a real difference. Attending National Aviation Academy would allow me to turn my interests and experiences into a profession that I am passionate about. My goal is to become an FAA-certified Aviation Maintenance Technician and build a career that challenges me, allows me to grow, and contributes to the safety of others. I am excited about the future and committed to putting in the hard work necessary to succeed in this field. For me, Aviation Maintenance is more than a job. It is an opportunity to build a meaningful career, develop valuable skills, and be part of an industry that connects people and keeps the world moving safely.

Good afternoon, My name is Rasheequa Davis. I am a 35-year-old mother of a four-year-old son, and I’m looking to get assistance in furthering my education in my field, which is CDL. I achieved getting my Class B license 5 years ago, and I’ve recently begun working towards getting a Class A license. My life has had its ups and downs. Recently, I lost my job, which I thought would be the last job to continue my career in this field, but sadly, I was mistaken. Because of this change, I haven’t allowed this crucial moment to stop me from achieving my goal. I’ve recently been putting myself in school, which is NETTS Trucking School in Bridgeport, CT, and for the last couple of months, it’s been an astounding experience going back to a trade school to continue my education. For me, because I have experience driving motor coaches, school buses, and city buses, it’s like starting over from the beginning, relearning what I thought I knew. Even though I’m being steadfast in my goal, financially, it’s been a struggle. I’m applying to this scholarship because I believe those going over this application will see that I am a dedicated individual in trying to secure a peaceful life for my son and his future. I’ve been told in my work field that I am a very dedicated person. I’m always on time, and I get along with a lot of my coworkers to this day. I’m still in contact with a lot of my old coworkers from years ago. I really want this field to work for me. I think in my lifetime, this is the most I've been dedicated to a career path, and I have endured the ups and downs of it, and I refuse to leave it. For me, I believe this is the field for me, this will be the career I'll spend the rest of my life in because I truly enjoy what it has to offer. I think that my last job, which was Greyhound, really imprinted on me what I can become as a driver on the road. Learning and travelling all around this vast country I've lived my entire life in, and I have barely scratched the surface of what it has to offer. I truly want to own a home. I'm 35 years old, and I've been living in apartments my entire life, and I've never truly experienced what it's like to have the "white picket fence." I want my son to have what I've always wanted growing up, which is stability, a proper foundation, not moving from place to place. Anyone who's been working as hard as I have would want to fulfill that goal. I'd like to thank those reading this essay for allowing me to apply and hear my story, and hopefully, I'll be granted the scholarship to continue in this field. Thank you.

I didn't have any idea on what I had planned on doing After High School then a gentleman from the local Community College came to the school and discuss different Workforce trade that the college offer and he went over a trade by the name of NDT non-destructive testing I became instantly interested he mentioned manufacturing, Aerospace oil and gas all those topics became interesting to me so I wanted to learn more about them. And he also mentioned that it would not take long to get certified it goes up to three different levels it is a very important job you have to be able to pay attention and pay attention to details because because of the inspections incorrect a piece of equipment can fail and that is not okay so we are the safety Lifeline between the equipment and the workers.We look for structural defects before they lead to catastrophic failures in airplanes, bridges, pipelines, and buildings. Safety is a big part of my life as I watch my mother do her job on a daily for the last 15 years and it showed me how important safety is that is another reason I chose to do a Workforce career with safety . It's an important job and I feel like the only way that I can do something better in the world is by learning this trade and Performing the job properly to my highest level into eventually get to a level three I am the first high school graduate from my family and the first one to go to college even if it's a community college it's important to me and I want to do this for me and my mother she's proud of me and I want to make sure that I keep her proud and make myself proud by completing something starting something and not finishing not giving up on myself nor my dreams because once I complete this trade I won't stop after this I've been welding since the 9th grade I passed every welding test that I've taken at the local welding facility here in my town. This financial help will help my mother out so that we can put this towards School and it will be a big help to me I don't have a job at the moment I used to work for the gentleman in my local town at BJ's automotives helping out with tires and changing oil to earn some money but I did not put that money aside for school as a young teenager I was under the impression that I was going to be able to get some financial assistance for school through financial aid however this Workforce program that I'm in currently does not offer financial aid so this is my story and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your time and consideration for this scholarship help.

Choosing trade school over the traditional path of a four-year university has never been a careless decision for me. It is a choice rooted in passion, purpose, and a dream I have carried since childhood. For years, my family has questioned this decision, often asking why I would stray from what they see as the “safer” or more respected route. Their concerns are not quiet ones; they echo doubts about my gender, my background, and the financial uncertainty surrounding trade careers. Still, my answer has never changed. I am pursuing aviation maintenance because it is not just what I want to do…it is who I am. My fascination with aircraft began long before I understood how they worked. Growing up, my family did not have the means to travel, so the world beyond Texas felt distant and unreachable. Airplanes, helicopters, and jets existed only through the glow of a television screen. To me, they were larger than life, almost magical, like superheroes cutting through the sky. I would climb onto the top bunk of my shared bed and pretend I was piloting a plane, narrating imaginary emergencies and daring rescues. In those moments, I felt limitless, even if my reality was anything but. At the time, I believed planes operated on their own, as if they had minds and instincts. I did not yet understand that behind every flight was a team of skilled individuals ensuring its safety. That understanding came when I was eleven years old, during a visit to a friend’s house. Her older brother was an A&P mechanic, a title I had never heard before. As he spoke about his work over dinner, I listened intently, captivated by every detail. I could not hold back my excitement and interrupted with a burst of questions, the most important being, “You can actually make planes fly?” His answer was simple but life-changing. He explained that he ensured the engines and systems were safe before a plane ever left the ground. In that moment, something shifted within me. The magic I once imagined was replaced with something even more powerful…the realization that people like him made flight possible. From that day forward, I knew I wanted to be one of those people. As I grew older, my interest evolved into commitment. Throughout middle and high school, I researched everything I could about becoming an A&P mechanic. I learned about the training, the certifications, and the responsibility that comes with maintaining aircraft. As a woman entering a male-dominated industry, I have also learned that my presence will be questioned before my skills are even seen. I have been told that this field is not meant for someone like me, and that I will have to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. Instead of discouraging me, those words have strengthened my resolve to prove that passion and dedication are not defined by gender. When I shared my plans with my family, their reactions were far from encouraging. They questioned the stability of trade school and whether I truly belonged in such a field. Some voices went further, suggesting it was a waste of time. Yet, none of these doubts were strong enough to outweigh my determination. Now, at twenty years old, I stand firm in my decision to attend trade school in August 2026. This path may not align with traditional expectations, but it aligns with my purpose. Aviation maintenance is more than a career to me; it is a way to be part of something greater, to ensure that every aircraft I touch carries people safely to their destinations.

I’m Chace a twenty-three year old student currently enrolled in the Commercial and Residential Wiring Program at Lake Superior College. I’ve always taken interest in working more with my hands. Wether that was in the garage helping my brothers with one of there vehicles or fixing/ installing household appliances in my mothers house. I’ve always taken pride in repairing things around my home instead of having to ask someone else do it. This was part of reason why I applied to go to school for the Commercial and Residential Wiring Program at LSC (Lake Superior College). I come from a low income household so I’ve learned to “DIY it” or find someone who was willing to teach me how to fix it myself since I couldn’t afford the labor to pay someone else to do it for me. Unfortunately there are something’s that you shouldn’t DIY. One of those things happens to be upgrading your own electric or installing it yourself without the proper training. The electric in my mother’s home has not been updated since 2004. Which as of current isn’t bad, but in the future will need to be done. Since I unfortunately do not have the means to pay someone to do this I did the next best thing I know how to do, and that was to learn from someone else! I’m about to enter my second year(final year) in the CRW (Commercial and Residential Wiring) program and then start my apprenticeship hopefully with the union once I’m finish with school. The CRW program is currently giving me a good fundamental basis of how electricity works and the dangers of it and how to keep those dangers to a minimum. Once I graduate and start my apprenticeship with the union I will then start taking my first big steps into my career and more importantly gaining the knowledge to upgrade any electrical work I want to be done on my mothers house. Working on my mothers home has become more and more important to me as I get older, even while being on low income she did everything in power to make sure I had everything I needed and did her absolutely best to get me anything I wanted as well. I’m eternally grateful for my mother since not many have had to go through what she went through, and she still did everything in her power to make sure I was happy. The least I can do is work towards a better future for the both of us.

I have always loved watching cooking shows when I was younger, shows such as Kitchen Nightmares and Hell's Kitchen. Then I got older I was a little bit more interested in baking and started watching shows like, 'Is it Cake?', 'Baking Impossible', 'Bake Squad', & basically every baking show you could find on Netflix. I have always been smart, always at the top of my class, always reading books, I even got an award for reading one million words in one semester in middle school. Even now as I am in my final year of highschool I am ranked number two in the senior class (academic wise). I have a 4.143 unweighted GPA and I am even about to graduate from highschool a year early. You see, technically this is my "junior year" of highschool but since I got most of my credits in freshman and sophomore year I am able to graduate this upcoming May. Not only am I extremely intelligent but I was also very involved with my school during freshman and sophomore year. From the 2021-22 & 23-24 school year at McCluer North High School. From second semester of 8th grade to second semester of highschool I was in wrestling and I was actually a pretty good wrestler even though I never competed. I was in theater (troupe 814) from second semester of freshman year up until my last day at the school, year 2024. Even though I changed schools I was still inducted as a thespian troupe member. Along side of wrestling and theater I did multiple hours of community service, 20 in the first semester of my sophomore year and 20 in my second semester. The reason why I am choosing to go into culinary is really because I am kind of tired of all the academic stuff and I really want to make a career out of something I am passionate about. Currently I am running a small baking business and I would love to expand my knowledge of pastry making and just culinary in general so that I am able to open up my own bakery some day. I want to make a career out of being a baking and maybe even a chef as well but culinary school is expensive and my mom just does not make the type of money to get me into culinary school. Being able to make sweet treats a a real profession would be an absolute dream and I really want to be able to spread happiness by traveling and making delicious food. For these reasons, I am choosing to pursue culinary school or some type of culinary program.

I’ve been passionate about hair for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, I would sit my younger cousins down in front of the mirror and comb their hair for them. Even now, styling their hair remains one of my favorite ways to bond and connect with them. My family trusts my knowledge in men’s hairstyling so fully that my aunt will call me from the barbershop to get my input. When I first came to Futures, they told me that they would be able to help me secure secondary education in a barbering program. They also secured connections to a local barber shop, “The Shop” in Newington, through Futures’ vocational work program. I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to licensed barbers about their careers and express my interest in the field. For nearly a year, I shadowed those professionals while also assisting with cleaning and sanitation of the work area. I was able to get a full and realistic understanding of everything that working in a barbershop entails, including knowledge of different types of cuts and the techniques used to achieve different styles. By the following summer, I had learned enough about the trade that my peers and teachers trusted me enough to allow me to cut their hair under the supervision of my employers. It felt so good to be trusted by my peers, and I’ll never forget how happy it made me to see how much they liked their hair. I’m so grateful to have had that work opportunity, as it solidified my interest in becoming a barber. One of the few things more exciting to me than studying and learning about hair is what those skills will allow me to accomplish. There’s something very rewarding about getting the “perfect” haircut. I take a lot of pride in maintaining my hair and coming to work and school with a clean haircut, to the extent that I try to get a haircut as frequently as every two weeks. I want to be able to give others that same experience. The right haircut can change how a person views themselves, as well as how that person is perceived by others. A professional haircut can also help a person appear more desirable during a job interview, leading to better chances at employment. It’s my dream to give haircuts that inspire, motivate, and uplift members of my community. One personal dream of mine is contributing to my local community by providing free or discounted haircuts to children and people in need of assistance. It’d be just one small way that I can pay forward all of the guidance and support that I’ve been shown by the people around me. Another way I want to support my community is by creating shadowing and internship opportunities similar to the one that was granted to me. When I think back to the time I spent shadowing at “The Shop”, I realize how much confidence and motivation that experience gave me. I could be that for somebody else, some day. A decade from now, some teenager might walk into my shop and ask me how they can be like me. When that day comes, it will be a privilege to give that person the same opportunity I was given.

I am lucky enough to be a native Hawaiian living on the Big Island of Hawaii. growing up in Waipiʻo Valley, my family’s connection to the land has always been a part of who I am. Waipiʻo, known as the “Valley of the Kings,” is where my ʻohana (family) plants kalo (taro) in the loʻi (taro patches), just as our ancestors have done for generations. I’ve spent countless hours with my hands in the cool mud, learning from my parents and grandparents how to mālama ʻāina (care for the land) and honor our kūpuna (ancestors). Planting kalo isn’t just about growing food; it’s about nurturing life, preserving our culture, and carrying forward the mana (spiritual energy) that connects us to our past and future. Attending a Hawaiian based Private High School has deepened my understanding of what it means to be Native Hawaiian. Surrounded by peers who share my heritage, I’ve learned that my education is not just for me, but for my community. For fourteen years, hula has been my way of expressing this connection. Through hula, I tell stories of our people, honor our language, and carry the spirit of aloha in every movement. Hula has taught me discipline, respect, and the power of cultural pride. But even with these strong roots, I wasn’t always sure where my path would lead. I loved creativity, and I wanted to help people feel good about themselves, but I didn’t know how to combine these passions. Then one day, while helping my cousin get ready for her first hula competition, everything clicked. She was nervous, worried about her costume and how she looked. I did her hair, carefully applied makeup, and talked with her to calm her nerves. As I worked, I saw her confidence grow. She stood taller, smiled brighter, and walked onto the stage with a new sense of pride. That moment was powerful for me. I realized that beauty isn’t just about what you see on the outside-it’s about helping someone feel valued, strong, and connected to who they are. From that day on, I began helping friends and family with their hair and makeup for graduations, performances, and special occasions. Each time, I felt the same joy I experience in the loʻi or on the hula stage, the joy of uplifting others and sharing aloha through my hands. Choosing cosmetology feels like a natural extension of my heritage and values. I want to open a salon that feels like ʻohana, where Hawaiian culture is honored and celebrated. I dream of creating a space where everyone feels welcomed and empowered. Most importantly, I want to mentor young Hawaiians, showing them that their culture is a source of strength and inspiration in any career they choose. For me, cosmetology is more than a career-it’s a way to take care of my community, carry forward the lessons of Waipiʻo Valley, and honor the spirit of hula. I want to leave a mark of aloha and kuleana (responsibility), inspiring others to embrace their identity, pursue their dreams, and remember that true beauty begins from within. Through my work, I hope to help my community feel proud, connected, and strong for generations to come.

My name is Mellissa Torres, and I am in my final 250 hours of a 1500 hour cosmetology program in Parker, Colorado at the Stacey James institute. I have faced a lot of adversity and instability, but I never let that jade my view on my greatest passion: the beauty industry. Being a first generation American on my moms side, and one of two of my family of 7 to go to any sort of continuing education, this journey has not been easy by any means, but is so fulfilling and worthy it. I have always been enraptured by the beauty industry as a whole, and was known as the one growing up to do hair and makeup for events. Prom, homecoming and other school dances, cheer, birthdays and weddings, I loved being hands on in it all, and would get ready as early as possible and spend the rest of the day helping everyone else. To me, beauty is empowerment, and I love to help people. Doing hair and makeup have always come natural to me, so furthering my education in the field seemed like a no brainer. However, sometimes life has other plans, and getting to this point in my life started to feel like a distant dream that may never be possible. After several different career opportunities and experiences, I was finally able to join this program last May, and couldn’t be happier. I have learned so much in this blended-passion trade of mine, and I am really looking forward to not just being a part of this career field, but also adding to it. I love being creative, and I hope to make a really significant impact on the hair community. I hope to specialize in blonding and extensions, and to work with top brand deals in the industry and collaborate with them, eventually going on to teach everyone at hosted events across the globe. Working with specific foundations and organizations, like Miss Colorado and the Rocky Mountain School of Art and Design fashion show, has also really expanded my portfolio and interest in event hair and having hundreds of people see my hard work and passion. Every strand carefully and artfully laid with intention. Color formulas curated to clients and their desires and making them feel radiant and empowered. Constantly having the opportunity to learning new techniques and skills to bring to the table and grow as a beauty professional…all of this and more than I can say are why I have, and continue to, work so hard to plant myself firmly in this trade. Scholarship opportunities are now my biggest hope of this entire journey leading me to walk at the end of my 1500 hours and make my impact.

I enjoy helping my neighbors and my father build garages, and permanent structures in my rural neighborhood. My Ninth grade year I took my first semester of Construction Trades at my local high school technology center. I enjoyed the classes more each year. I have decided I'd like to study Carpentry and Construction after high school. I didn't grow up in a traditional house. Living "out here" gave me a great appreciation for real well built structures. The type of stuff average kids totally take for granted. You probably remember having bedrooms and large den areas as a kid. I grew up in a "tiny home" my mom would say, "the OG tiny home". An RV, yea like cousin Eddy's from "Christmas Vacation" only not as old. I think I may have become so interested in building because I desired what most of my friends had; that big home with all the rooms, the normal house. We had neighbors that lived in stationary tiny homes. Those looked more like a shed you'd buy at Home Depot. Our neighbor Matt is young, and he finished the inside of his "shed". He hung drywall, built shelves, laid flooring, and tiles in the bathroom. It really is pretty nice. He also made his own cabinets, countertops, and some furniture himself. Growing up in the woods especially during covid made me realize why my parents wanted to be way out here. We have room outside. Our creek is beautiful with waterfalls. We swam in our pond when the pool was closed on account of public worry. I can hunt with my brothers or fish in our pond. That neighbor Matt... his retired dad moved out to our neighborhood from a big city in Texas. He started living in a camper, and had resources to build a modest home. I learned so much building that house with my neighbors. We started from a wooded lot. My dad actually cleared the area with his own tractor he bought years ago. I helped dig holes for the supports the house sits on. Sure it is on a hill, and Matt had to measure and set the width of the support beams. I didn't do all the math, but I see it working in real life. I like being able to make something. Men are truly created to work and build things. I mean would you want to just pull out a blanket and sleep on the dirt in the woods? That's why in scouts we used tents. I'd really like to build my own home someday. I helped build my neighbor's dad's dwelling, one of his son's, and now we're working on the third home. I plan to put to use the skills I aquire in trade school to construct a house of my own in the future. I grew up out here in a rural area. I'd love to help my neighbors and community put up and build permanent homes and structures.

As a student that is dedicated and determine to complete my course no matter what happens, I have learned that life does always goes according to plan. About two weeks ago weeks ago, something unfortunate happened to me that set me back physically, mentally, and financially. While riding my pedal bike on my way to school, I was hit by a car. The driver made a right turn into me without looking in my direction, the impact of the hit send me to the hospital. The accident caused me injuries that forced me to miss several days of both class and work. A little bit about me, I'm someone who likes to stay active and healthy. working out helps me stay focused, motivated, and mentally strong. I use my pedal bike not only as a way to stay in shape, but also as my main form of transportation to work and school. Being hit by a car not only hurt me physically, but it also disrupted my routine and added stress to my already demanding schedule. I had to put things on pause, which led to missing shifts at work, falling behind on assignments, and experiencing financial strain from lost of wages and medical expenses. Despite the pain and the challenges, I've been doing my best to stay on track. My school was understanding enough to allow me to make up my course work from home. I'm grateful for that opportunity, and I've been working hard to catch up on everything I missed. I'm trying to regain my momentum and return to my normal routine, even though the recovery process has not been easy. This accident affected me more than I expected, it challenged my mental strength just as much as my physical endurance. Thankfully I'm resilient, I'm focused on not letting this setback define me. I am currently pursuing my Certification as an Aircraft Technician because I have a deep love for aviation. My long-term goal is to work for one of the major commercial airlines and someday be able to own and fix my own aircraft. This scholarship will help relieve some of the pressure I'm under by covering some of the costs of campus housing, transportation until I can ride again and basic living expenses. With less financial stress, I can focus more on my recovery, my education, and ultimately, achieving my goal of becoming an aircraft technician.

When I was very young, an accident changed the way I saw myself and how others saw me. I caught my face and head on fire. An unimaginable moment that left me bald, scarred, and confused. All my hair was burned off, and to this day, I carry the physical reminders of that trauma. Growing up, I was teased relentlessly. I was called “scar face” and made to feel like I would never be considered beautiful. My confidence was shattered before I even had a chance to build it. For years, I struggled with how I looked and how I felt inside. Over time, and through an incredible amount of healing and self-work I learned to love my own beauty. I have always been very hairy. I've had the scars on my face. I was not allowed to wear make up. I had big poors and picked at my skin. Living with all that all of ME it led me to my purpose, to become an esthetician. I could get my face waxed to help with the hair. I learned about diet and stopped picking my skin and started a skin care routine that helped with my poors and acne. I got facials and learned techniques to help fade my scars. At the end I leaned I didn't need or really want to wear makeup. My dream is to help others feel the kind of confidence and self-love that took me years to find. I want to open a spa that does more than provide services. My Spa will be a space where people feel safe, empowered, and seen. My goal is to help clients enhance their natural beauty, not cover it up or conform to someone else’s standards. Whether it's through skincare, facials, or simply providing a kind word in a calm space, I want every person who walks through my doors to leave feeling better about themselves. I know firsthand that confidence can change a person’s entire life. For me, learning how to embrace my appearance helped me find my passion, and my purpose. Becoming an esthetician isn’t just a career choice it’s a calling that connects to the deepest parts of who I am and what I’ve overcome. My scars, once the source of shame, are now a part of the story I proudly carry with me. They remind me that healing is possible and beauty is everywhere. We just need to look at ourselves with open true eyes. Not the stereotype "perfection" that A.I. and social media wants us to believe. By pursuing this path, I hope to create more than beautiful skin, I want to help create peace, confidence, and joy. I’m not just entering the beauty industry. I’m entering the healing industry. I believe that because I’ve walked through the fire, I’m uniquely equipped to help others rise from their own ashes, glowing. Thank you for this opportunity by potentially helping me with my school finances.

It has always been a dream of mine to become successful, have a family, and be able to support my family back home. having a good job can help me with that goal but in order to get a good job I must obtain the proper knowledge to be able to do that job and just overall make it in life. Life hasn't always been easy but that's what you learn about it. Life is not easy, it's not sopose to be though. The experinces you go through help to shape into whom you become, and it's up to you to decide the path you go down. You have to find ways to make it better and continue to grow. Growing up I have lived with my Mother and three younger brothers. Enjoying sports and other extra curicular activities like 4-H and FFA. Recently our family home burnt down in the middle of the night causing us to lose everything and have to start from scratch with our lives. Life has very much so been a struggle the past months, but non the less we must continue to push past this burden and continue on with our lives. As I am an upcoming graduate of 2025 I plan to attend Lincoln College of Technology in Grand Prarie, Texas. Going for HVAC maintanence. Always going out to the ranch to hang out with my grandpa, he has tought me a lot of valuable things, all the way from changing tires to things like installing air conditioning units. Working for my school every summer for the past four years I have also gained a lot of knowledge on things such as exaust fans, comercial fridges, and fire alarm systems and things of that nature. I quite throughouly enjoy working and learning things to embetter my knowledge as that is something you can always have and never be taken away from you. I believe that going to school to become an HVAC technician will help me in conquering that life long aspiration of becoming succecful and being able to support my family. As it is a job with multiple oppurtuntities. I like work that involves new problems and having to use different thinking abilities. What better field than a HVAC technician. I believe the HVAC industry is one of the many industries that is always looking for workers as our world is always growing and advancing there is need for people who can work this field of line. As jobs are starting to be taken over by artificial intelligence I believe that AI will help to enhance efficiency, automation, and help with diagnostics. While still requiring technicians for maintenance and repairs.

My sincere desire to become an esthetician is in large part due to my personal struggle, story and transformation. As a young teen, I struggled with my appearance, specifically, my skin. I just did not feel attractive. I was very insecure and did not think that any of my peers would like me nor would they want to become friends with me. In a world where people are always taking selfies and making posts, I shied away from cameras and social activities because I did not want to be photographed. I became very depressed and even entertained suicidal thoughts as a way to relieve the pain. Thankfully, God allowed my best friend to speak to me in my darkest moment, speaking encouragement into me, showing me love and compassion. From that time forward, I learned how to take care of my skin and gained real confidence in myself. I no longer see myself through a negative lens. I am filled with positivity, and I walk around with a smile. Now, I am able to feel good in the skin I’m in, take excellent care of myself, and look for ways to help others do the same. My self-worth has increased so much that I have done some modeling last summer for a couple of local designers and participated at a fashion show at my church. For me, becoming an esthetician is not just about helping people to look beautiful, I want to help people feel beautiful. Please consider me for this scholarship because I will study harder and work harder than anyone in my class. I will ensure that your investment in me will reap tremendous benefits - not only for myself, but for my clients and my community, as well. Completing my academic requirements in esthetics and obtaining my license will be a significant step in furthering a lifetime of learning, the beginning of my professional career, and allow for more opportunities for me to be of service to others. By providing financial assistance to me, you are helping to make my goals more achievable and making it less of a financial struggle for me and my family. My career goals include one day owning my own skincare spa working with diverse types of skin and teaching others the benefits of skin care. I would also like to develop an expertise that allows me to help people who are dealing with medical conditions that impact their skin. Once I am well established, I plan to regularly offer some free services to teens in my community who may have similar skin issues as I did while growing up and show them how to take care of their skin so that they won't despair or be filled with anxiety and depression. I want to be an example to them of how they can rise above self-doubt and achieve their goals.

From a young age, I've always been fascinated by aircraft. Whether it was watching planes take off at the airport or reading about how engines function, I knew I wanted to be part of the aviation industry. That passion has led me to pursue a career in aviation maintenance, with the ultimate goal of becoming a corporate pilot. I believe that understanding the mechanics of aircraft will not only make me a better pilot but also give me a deeper appreciation for the machines I hope to fly one day. My education plan is simple yet ambitious. I plan to graduate from my aviation maintenance program, then test for the FAA certifications necessary to earn my license. This will allow me to gain hands-on experience in the field, working on aircraft and learning the ins and outs of maintenance. Once I've established myself in the industry, I plan to begin flight training and work towards earning my pilot’s license. Starting in aviation maintenance will give me a strong foundation in aviation safety and operations, which will make me a more knowledgeable and capable pilot in the long run. One of my main goals is to get my foot in the door of the aviation industry as soon as possible. I know that flight training is a significant commitment, both financially and time-wise, so my strategy is to work in aviation maintenance first while saving up and gaining experience. By doing this, I can immerse myself in the industry and work my way up to the cockpit through dedication and perseverance. I strongly believe I should be chosen for this scholarship for multiple reasons. First and foremost, I have a genuine passion for aviation that has been driving me towards this career path for years. This is not just a job for me it's a lifelong dream that I am determined to achieve. Secondly, I have a financial need that makes affording this program challenging, especially since I am going out of state to study. Moving away from home to pursue this program is a big step, but I am willing to make that sacrifice to follow my passion and set myself up for success. This scholarship would make a huge difference in my journey by helping me afford the education and training I need to enter the industry. I am ready to put in the hard work and commit myself fully to this career path, and I would be incredibly grateful for the opportunity to receive this financial support. Thank you for your consideration.

I am determined to pursue a career in welding to improve my life and the quality of life for my children. As a young woman, I have always embraced hard work and the challenges that come with it. This scholarship will help fund my education and provide me with a stable future, allowing me to make a meaningful difference in our daily lives. The life I came from I was raised to eat or be eaten. Nothing is given without hard work. I was raised on a farm. I use to have to get up two hours before school every morning and feed cows chickens and daily farm chores. If I would miss the buss I would walk 2 miles to school and walk home after practice. My grandfather played a motor role in my life. He truly taught me to have a pure heart and the values of hard work. With hard work comes failure but in those failures you learn lessons. The difference between failure and success is the chose to accept the failure and move on, or get up fight and try again. I no longer want to live paycheck to paycheck, constantly deciding which bills to postpone to ensure my children have what they need. After facing numerous hardships, I believe this opportunity will lead to significant positive change. I am driven and eager for a new beginning. Currently, I am studying at Delta Technical College, and the moment I picked up a torch and welding machine, I discovered my passion and talent for this craft. I truly love what I do, and I know it will enhance my family’s quality of life. In the future, I aspire to become an instructor, sharing the skills I have gained and helping others improve their lives through a rewarding career in welding. I recognize that being a woman in this field is uncommon, but I embrace the challenge. I thrive on hard work, grit, and the satisfaction that comes from it. My dream is to advance my education in pipefitting and work offshore. I aim to make a name for myself in this industry, refusing to accept failure. If I stumble, I will rise again, resilient and committed to my goals. My children look up to me, and I am determined to set a strong example. I will not let them—or myself—down. I am hungry to succeed. I am starving to be great.

Since I was a kid, I have always been fascinated by cars. I loved how they looked, how their engines sounded. At the time, I didn’t understand how they worked, but I knew I wanted to learn. As I got older, my curiosity grew, and I found myself wanting to take things apart just to see how they worked. But, I never consider a career in the automotive field until high school, when I had the opportunity to join my school’s Auto Technology program. Coming from a first-generation Mexican-American family, I learned the value of hard work and perseverance from my parents. They came to the U.S. with little but worked tirelessly to provide for our family. Their sacrifices motivated me to find a career that I was passionate about and that could also give me a stable future. When I joined my high school’s automotive program, I was determined to make the most of it. At first, it was challenging. I was placed in a second-year class with students who already had experience, while I was starting from zero. I had to work harder than everyone else just to keep up. But instead of giving up, I pushed myself. I spent extra time studying, asking questions, and practicing every chance I got. Over time, I became one of my teacher’s best students and even earned a spot on our program’s Competition Team. Through competitions, I was able to prove my skills, winning first place in precision measuring, tools and parts identification, and second place in electrical systems, also including that I qualified for state conference for SkillsUSA. These experiences gave me the confidence that this was the right career for me. What I love most about automotive technology is the challenge of diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Every car is different, and every problem requires patience and problem-solving. Whether it’s working on an engine, troubleshooting electrical issues, or learning how to use specialty tools, I enjoy every part of the process. There is always something new to learn, and that excites me. My goal is to specialize in high-performance and luxury cars, especially German brands like Porsche. I plan to continue my education at UTI, where I will be part of the Automotive and BMW FastTrack program. In hopes of being accepted into Porsches PTAP program and eventually to work for Porsche’s motorsport team and be part of something bigger than myself. Choosing automotive technology has been one of the best decisions I have made. It’s a field that excites me, challenges me, and pushes me to keep learning. I look forward to turning my passion into a lifelong career and making my family proud.

I am currently a student at the State Technical College of Missouri, studying Precision Machining. I first got interested in the trades during high school, where I attended Four Rivers Career Center. At first, when I applied, I wanted to join the welding program; however, after talking to my neighbor, Tyler, he sparked my interest in machine tools. As I learned more about the trade, I fell in love with it. The fact that within just a few operations, I can go from holding a block of metal with nothing unique about it to something that you can show off and be proud to say "I made that". Within my first year at that career center, my teacher wrote me a letter of recommendation to help me land a job at Texwrap, where I still work today. This week marks my 3 years at Texwrap, where I learned so much about how the trade of machining works. I started only knowing how to do basic operations on a HAAS mill, all the way to being confident to work on either HAAS or OKHUMA mills and lathes, as well as CNC bandsaws. My favorite thing about this trade is that there is never a point where you feel like you have learned everything there is to know. There are always new technologies and techniques to learn. If you think you know everything about mills, then you can learn about different lathes. If you think you know both mills and lathes, then there are waterjets, laser cutters, wire EDMs, and so many more options. Even if you get tired of just running these machines, you can learn how to be a programmer and use CAM or CAD software. One day, I hope to learn more about the automation and robotics side of machining. Texwrap only has simple 3-axis machines and no robots. State Tech just got our first robotic arm for the machine shop at the end of the school year. On top of that, after I graduate, I am planning on applying to a machine shop in town that focuses on the automation side. I have taken 2 tours of this shop, and both times I felt like a kid in a candy shop. The amount of 5-axis mills, 2 spindle lathes, and robotics is crazy to me and it is a dream that one day I will know how they work.