Exclusive Trade School Scholarships with 2025 Deadlines

About trade school scholarships

In today's society, many students are encouraged to pursue traditional two or four-year degrees rather than careers in the trades. However, trade degrees are valuable and can open up doors to a variety of stable and vital careers. If you are considering all the options you have for your future, you may be looking at a four year university or community college. Be sure to also include technical school within this search to make sure you are truly considering all the options available to you. This way, when you make your decision, you'll know you made the right one.

What is a trade school?

Trade school is a catch-all term for several disciplines which students do not attend typical four-year college for. There are several types of trade schools, including vocational schools, technical schools, and programs at community colleges or four-year universities.

Many people associate trade school programs as being for labor careers such as construction, welding, plumbing, and electrician careers. However, there are also other careers trade schools can prepare you for, just a few examples are practical nursing, radiation therapy, dental hygienist, and web development.

Trade school education is an excellent option in the modern era. Due to the loss of over eight million skilled workers from the labor force following the Covid-19 pandemic, trade school graduates are in high demand, making vocational school an appealing option for high school seniors and other incoming students.

Vocational schools provide special degrees and certifications that are intended to help prepare students for a specific trade or line of work. Most vocational schools prepare students through hands-on training so they are prepared to be working professionals.

Women in the trades

Women are historically underrepresented in most trade industries. Nationally, women only make up 3% of trade laborers. The stark lack of women has made it difficult for women to stay in the industry.

Recently, there have been increases in women's access to the trades through purposeful efforts. Between 2017 and 2018, women working in the trades increased by 18%, showing that the space for women in trades is growing. The construction trade with the most women laborers in 2018 was painters, construction, and maintenance, at 7.2%.

These statistics demonstrate an extremely male-dominated field. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for women to grow by 8.4 million jobs.

Student statistics reflect the current state of the workforce. Male-dominated classes typically see only one to two female students. But "girls-only" trade classes are beginning to gain traction among trade schools. These classes have increased female enrollment by creating a more welcoming environment.

If you're pursuing cosmetology school, check out these exclusive cosmetology scholarships!

Minorities in the trades

The trade industry also experiences a lack of representation when it comes to minorities. Although representation can vary much more widely depending on what specific trade industry is being discussed.

Only 6.3% of construction workers are Black, and 32.6% are Hispanic or Latino. However, some fields have more diversity. For example, 17.4% of tire manufacturers are Black. Encouraging more minority students to consider becoming vocational school students can help increase diversity in both vocational schools and careers.

Highest paying vocational school careers

There are several different ways to get into trade careers, some require degrees from vocational schools, some require a high school diploma plus apprenticeship, and some provide on-the-job training. The following is a list of the top 10 highest-paying careers that can be done with a vocational school degree.

1. Power Plant Operator, Average Salary: $103,000
2. Radiation Therapist, Average Salary: $68,500
3. Pipefitter, Average Salary: $60,000
4. Electronics Technician, Average Salary: $57,000
5. Electrician, Average Salary: $56,000
6. Respiratory Therapist, Average Salary: $56,000
7. Dental Hygienist, Average Salary: $54,500
8. HVAC Technician, Average Salary, $45,000
9. IT Support Specialist, Average Salary: $42,500
10. Cable Technician, Average Salary: $39,500

How to choose a vocational school

Choosing a vocational school to attend to obtain a higher education can be a difficult process, due to the many options available to choose from. During the school search, there are several things that applicants must consider.

Most importantly, check for school accreditation. Accredited schools should be recognized and authorized by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges or a similarly reputable oversight agency. Attending an accredited vocational-technical school is integral, without a degree from an accredited college, your education may be deemed useless.

You should also compare how different schools' programs align with your interests by looking at program specifics. You should also assess what final costs are going to be and what financial aid is available. If possible, choose nonprofit and public programs, and check your local community college to see if you can get the same training for a cheaper price.

Further, consider job prospects. A high annual salary can be tempting, but not every trade field has the same need for workers. Check the state of the industry nationally and locally before you commit to a vocational school.

Cost of trade school

Many vocational school students are preparing themselves for high-paying careers with a lower-cost education. The average tuition for entire vocational programs, from start to graduation, is $33,000, which is roughly the cost of one year's tuition at a four-year institution.

Even though this cost is much less than the cost of a bachelor's degree, this can still seem like a daunting amount of money. To help students pursuing an education at vocational schools pay tuition costs, we've listed several scholarships that provide excellent opportunities to gain financial support. These scholarships are exclusive to Bold.org, and cannot be found anywhere else. You can begin applying by clicking on any of our featured scholarships!

What is a trade school scholarship?

A trade school scholarship is a scholarship intended to give financial aid to students studying a trade, usually at a technical school. Some scholarships are exclusively for a specific trade, while others are also open to students enrolled at a trade school. There are also numerous scholarships that are open to all students, including trade school and vocational school students.

Furthermore, there are vocational scholarships that are open to undergraduates, graduate students, or even high school students interested in agriculture or a related discipline.

Some scholarship opportunities are easy no-essay scholarships while others require an essay. Essays are not always about trades, and sometimes ask students to relay information about hobbies and other life experiences.

Can you get a scholarship for trade school?

Anyone can make an account with Bold.org and begin applying for any scholarships they qualify for. To increase your chances of winning a scholarship, make sure to apply early and to multiple scholarships. Additionally, make sure each essay answers the prompt given, and follow Bold.org's writing tips for creating a great essay.

How to apply for a trade school scholarship

With a Bold.org profile, you can browse and apply to the many scholarships you are eligible for. Search scholarships and use the filters to find scholarships related to trade schools, and use any other categories you fit in to find scholarships to apply for. Check all of the eligibility requirements and the description of the scholarship to make sure you qualify. Some scholarship may be only vocational scholarships, while others might be open to all applicants, whether they are in vocational school, a four year institution, high school, etc.

How to get scholarships for trade schools

In order to be the best candidate possible, there are several ways you can craft your applications. When you put time and work into your essays, the people reviewing your applications can tell and this will help you make a good impression.

Be enrolled at a trade school

The first and most important requirement for many scholarships is that applicants are students enrolled at a trade school/vocational school/technical school, or are planning to be in the future.

Check scholarship requirements

Some scholarships have more requirements to apply, such as gender, education level, extracurriculars, minimum GPA, etc. Applying for scholarships that have several requirements makes your chances of winning the financial aid greater because fewer people can apply.

When to apply

It is never too early to start applying for scholarships. As soon as you are fourteen years old and in high school, you'll start qualifying for scholarships. The earlier you start planning for the cost of college, the better prepared you will be. It's also never too late, as there are plenty of scholarships available to current college students and even some scholarships for graduates who have student loan debt.

Tips for winning scholarships

Make the most of your profile

Your profile on Bold.org is a great way to supplement your application. Make sure your profile is polished, free of errors, and shows off your accomplishments and goals for the future. Additionally, you can start earning bold points so your profile stands out to donors.

Apply early and often

The more scholarships you apply for, the more chances you will have to win. Being one of the first students to apply for a scholarship can help you stand out to donors, so consider applying early to gain some extra attention.

Put time and effort into your applications

You can make your application stand out from others by following Bold.org's writing tips whenever you work on an essay.

First, use a strong opening to grab your reader's attention from the first sentence, and make sure to add personal detail to your essay so it's memorable and unique.

Second, stay focused on the given question or prompt. No matter how great your writing skills are, your essay won't win if you don't respond to the prompt.

Finally, give your essay a good, readable structure while writing. Your essay will be a lot easier to read and understand if it's broken up into chunks rather than grouped in one big paragraph.

Finally, check your grammar! Always proofread your application once you are done. Once you submit your finest work, you can feel confident in your efforts towards gaining financial aid.

Best trade school scholarships

Scholarships for trade school students

Ben Bonner Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $3,000, 2 winners, $1,500 each

For: High school seniors or trade students who are low-income

This scholarship hopes to provide financial assistance to students attending school for trade school programs, or who are planning to in the future. Simply write an essay about why you're passionate about your trade of choice, and how you plan to give back to your community in the future.

Ron Dennis Memorial Scholarship for the Trades

Amount: $1,000, 2 winners, $500 each

For: High school or trade school students who will be studying in Oklahoma or Texas

This scholarship seeks to give financial assistance to students attending a trade school or who are planning to in the future. To apply, write about why you are pursuing the trades, and how your future trade career will change your life.

Larry’s Legacy Scholarship

Amount: $2,200, 2 winners, $1,100 each

For: High school or undergraduate students pursuing trade careers who are low-income and from an underrepresented community (not limited to race) and who have experience with community involvement

This scholarship hopes to provide some financial aid to students who are pursuing the trades and are involved in their communities. Write an essay about what you hope your future impact will be, a person you consider your hero, and what you would change about the world if you could.

Keep Going Forward No Essay Scholarship

Amount: $1,530

For: Any student

This easy application scholarship seeks to provide financial assistance to a student who is moving forward with something new. All you need to do to apply is make sure your Bold.org profile is polished, up to date, and shows off the great and amazing things about you!

Trade school scholarships for adults

Calvin C. Donelson Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

For: Undergraduate student enrolled in the trades

This scholarship seeks to provide financial assistance to students enrolled at a trade school. However, students pursuing carpentry to barbering are preferred. To apply, write about which trade you are pursuing and who inspired you to choose that field.

Jimmy Cardenas Community Leader Scholarship

Amount: $500

For: An undergraduate or trade school student from Texas interested in serving your community through your career

This scholarship seeks to give financial assistance to a student who wishes to utilize their trade skills to serve and lead in their community. Underrepresented minorities and first-generation students are especially encouraged to apply. The application requires an essay about how you have overcome obstacles and demonstrated leadership in your life.

Alexis Potts Passion Project Scholarship

Amount: $740

For: A high school senior or college undergraduate who is passionate about a sport, hobby, etc.

Apply to this scholarship by writing about how your passion has impacted you and your life. You can write about your passion for your trade or your passion for anything else! This scholarship simply seeks to provide financial aid to anyone who has a passion in their life.

Trade school scholarships for women

Taking Up Space Scholarship

Amount: $500

For: A female student who is a first-generation college student, underrepresented (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, etc), and pursuing a degree in a male-dominated field.

Female trade school students are encouraged to apply to scholarships such as this one, which provides financial aid to women. You can apply by writing about what taking up space means to you and how you apply it in your daily life.

Charlotte Emery Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $1,200, 2 winners, $600 each

For: Female students who are high school seniors or undergraduate students, Black/African American, first-generation, and have a 2.0 or higher GPA

This scholarship seeks to support and uplift Black girls and women so they can succeed and flourish in their lives and careers by giving financial aid. To apply, write a short essay OR create a short video about your definition of Black Girl Magic or Black excellence and how you work to empower others.

Frequently asked questions about scholarships for trade schools

How to find scholarships for trade schools

With a Bold.org profile, you can browse and apply for the many scholarships you are eligible for. Search scholarships and use the filters to find trade scholarships, as well as any other categories that you fit in to find scholarships to apply for. Be sure to check all the eligibility requirements and the description of the scholarship to make sure you qualify.

Can non-trade scholarships be awarded to trade school students?

Yes! As long as the scholarships are open to all students, they can be awarded to trade students. Always check the requirements to apply since some scholarships are only open to students attending a traditional college or university.

When can I start applying?

It is never too early to start applying for scholarships. High school students can begin applying as soon as they are fourteen or older. There are plenty of scholarships available to high school students and applying early will help you be more prepared for college. Luckily, it's also never too late to start applying. There are scholarships available to current students and even students in graduate school. Apply early and apply often to increase your chances of securing aid!

How do I know if I'm eligible for a scholarship?

On Bold.org, each scholarship's eligibility requirements will be listed in its description. Check for education level requirements, as well as any other requirements such as gender, race, field of study, financial status, and background experience that the donor has listed in the description of the scholarship. For instance, if a scholarship is a vocational scholarship, and you are a student in a vocational school, you will be eligible.

What do I have to do to apply?

To start applying, create an account on Bold.org. You can click on any of the links to the featured scholarships in this article to find the prompts or you can browse through the hundreds of scholarships available on the site! Then, just start writing or working on other application requirements. Once your essay is done and polished, just copy and paste it into the application and click submit.

Are scholarships counted as income?

Generally, scholarships are not considered income as long as they're used for direct educational costs, such as tuition, books, or course fees. However, scholarship money may be counted as income if you receive scholarship money worth more than your total costs.

Is a trade school scholarship taxable?

Scholarships are usually not taxable, including scholarships given to a trade school. Scholarships can be used for tuition, fees, and books for the trade school course. Any scholarship money used for other purposes will likely be taxable.