Appalachian Region Vocational Scholarship

Funded by
$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Open
Application Deadline
Jan 12, 2025
Winners Announced
Feb 12, 2025
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school or undergraduate
Type of Education:
Trade or vocational
State:
Kentucky, West Virginia, or Virginia
Major/Career of Interest:
STEM
Background:
First generation college student

Trade skills are important for our society, and yet they are often overlooked. 

Trades allow students to get a different type of education that will help them be successful in the career they are choosing. To support trade students pursuing a career in STEM, the Appalachian Region Vocational Scholarship will support students in Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia as they pursue their passions. Industry jobs cannot be overlooked, so this scholarship will encourage students to take their own path toward a trade school education.

Students from Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia are eligible to apply if they are going to trade school, or a traditional 2 or 4 year college for a STEM career, with a focus on engineering. To apply, students must be a first generation college student currently or looking to study STEM.

In your application, write about why you are pursuing the career you have chosen and how you will use your career to make a difference.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published May 12, 2024
Essay Topic

What drew you to the career path you are pursuing, and how do you plan on making a difference through your career?

400–600 words

Winning Application

Tatiyana Timmons
Murray State UniversityRadcliff, KY
For as long as I am able to remember, my life has had structure. Paying extra close attention to the way I colored, making sure to never stray outside of the lines. Breaking my toys apart so that I may then reconstruct them. One of my fondest memories as a child was being able to sit and help my father with his projects. Whether it was putting together furniture or fixing broken appliances, anything he’d allowed me to assist with, even if it was just me holding a flashlight so that I could observe. The way in which the world operates has fascinated me since a child, it operates with the most complex structure I’ve ever witnessed. Although I wasn’t sure of which path to take as a child to better understand it, I’ve always known that I needed to do something to help humanity and the world as much as possible for others as well as my own sake. In my search for my own path in life, I discovered a love for technology. It all started with a coding class only for girls. We worked in teams and throughout the school year we were able to create a website for a non-profit organization. As side projects we would program robots using our own developed coding. It was through these assigned projects that I happened upon my passion for working with technology of all sorts. These classes lead to my own research, as well as the discovery of fluid power and my fixation of it. The structure and uniqueness of it opened a completely new world of possibilities that piqued my interest and influenced my decision in majoring in electromechanical engineering technology. My hopes have always been to make the world a better place in any way I am capable of. I’d love the opportunity to help as many people as I am able with the work and ideas I develop. If I’m able, my plans are to bring as much ease and peace as I possibly can through fluid power and technology. In doing so, I hope to gain the chance to better dissect the complexities of our structured world. My plan towards this goal is to obtain my bachelor’s degree in electromechanical engineering technology to then go on in pursuit of a career which allows my efforts and dedication to be of assistance in our realities. Above all else, I hope to be an example to the generations to come. I hope to show young children who may look like me or have grown up in similar situations as me that there in fact are hopes of doing whatever it is they dream of. That they should never let anyone, or anything hold them back. Currently, I’m a college student enrolled for my second year of college. I’ve been accepted into the National Society of Leadership and Success, with plans of using what I learn to become a better leader for generations to come. I’m a part of the Emerging Scholars Institute through Murray State, dedicated to assisting minority students throughout their academic career. I also take part in the NFPA as Chief Communications Officer and I participate on the Murray State dance team known as the Radiant Racerettes. All of these organizations promote my leadership skills and open many possibilities for me to be a better leader and better the world we all live in using fluid power and technology.
elijah frame
Kentucky Welding InstituteSUMMERSVILLE, WV
From the moment I first saw a welder at work, I was captivated. The sparks flying, the intense glow of the torch, and the transformation of raw metal into something new and purposeful, it was like watching a magician. This initial fascination sparked a curiosity that led me to choose welding as my career path. Welding is not just about joining pieces of metal together. It's an art form, a science, and a critical part of our society's infrastructure. It's the invisible force that holds our world together, from the cars we drive to the buildings we live and work in. I chose welding because it allows me to play a part in creating and maintaining the world around us. The field of welding offers a unique combination of hands-on work and intellectual challenge. It requires a deep understanding of materials, physics, and engineering principles, as well as a steady hand and a keen eye for detail. These aspects of the profession appealed to my love for learning and my desire for a career that would keep me engaged and challenged. But my decision to pursue welding was not driven by interest alone. I saw in this field an opportunity to make a significant impact. Through my welding career, I plan to focus on sustainable and efficient practices. My goal is to contribute to projects that prioritize eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs. In doing so, I hope to play a part in reducing the environmental impact of construction and manufacturing processes. Safety is another area where I plan to make a difference. The welding industry, like any other, has its risks. By advocating for safety measures and working towards the development of safer equipment, I aim to reduce workplace accidents and ensure the wellbeing of my fellow welders. Education is a powerful tool for change, and I intend to use it to make a difference in the welding industry. By sharing my knowledge and experiences, I hope to inspire and educate future generations of welders. I believe that by fostering a love for welding in others, we can ensure the continued growth and advancement of our industry. In addition, I plan to use my skills to give back to the community. Whether it's by helping to repair a local school or creating a piece of public art, I believe that welding can be a force for good. In conclusion, I chose welding because it combines my passion for creation with my desire to contribute positively to the world. Through sustainable practices, safety advocacy, and education, I plan to make a difference in my welding career. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and am committed to making the most of them.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jan 12, 2025. Winners will be announced on Feb 12, 2025.