Courtney R. Smith Trades Scholarship

$1,250
2 winners, $625 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jul 31, 2024
Winners Announced
Aug 31, 2024
Education Level
Undergraduate
1
Contribution
Eligibility Requirements
Gender:
Male-identifying
Identity:
Underrepresented minority
Field of Study:
Trades
Education Level:
Trade school student

The Courtney R. Smith Trades Scholarship was established to provide academic funding to minority males (18-26YO) who are pursuing careers in electrical engineering carpentry, mechanics, barbering, and/or non-traditional vocational careers that lead to a certification or degree. 

Mr. Courtney Smith was a Caribbean-American father who developed a deep passion for electrical engineering at a young age.  He spent nearly twenty years working as an Electrician with the IBEW LOCAL 3  in NYC. Over this time, he served in many roles; including serving as a foreman on some major electrical projects. He was proud of his work on buildings such as the Atlantic Terminal and the former World Trade Center.  In 2011, he passed away too soon after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Smith was fervent to motivate and encourage ambitious youth, and this scholarship was created to advance that mission. 

In honor of his life-long mission to advance the education of minority youth, the development of transferable skills, and fostering financial independence, his family created this fund for males pursuing vocational studies. 

Any male trade school student who is an underrepresented minority pursuing the trades may apply for this scholarship. Eligible candidates for this scholarship include those who identify as African-American, Hispanic or Latinos, and American Indians, or Alaska Natives.

To apply, tell us about your goals, your motivations, how this scholarship will support you and how you plan to advance your community using your trade.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Passion
Published February 8, 2024
Essay Topic
  1. How will this scholarship assist you with your studies?
  2. How will you use this scholarship to advance your community and your chosen field?
  3. What are some of your motivations to pursue this field?
  4. What makes you standout from other candidates?


400–3000 words

Winning Applications

Kevin Vasquez
United Education Institute-Huntington Park CampusLONG BEACH, CA
As a student enrolled in electrical trade school, I am deeply honored to apply for this scholarship opportunity. With a passion for electrical work and a commitment to excellence, I am eager to share how this scholarship will support my studies, empower my community, and contribute to the advancement of my chosen field. How will this scholarship assist you with your studies? Attending trade school comes with its own set of financial challenges, including tuition fees, textbooks, and specialized equipment. This scholarship would provide crucial financial assistance, allowing me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies without the burden of financial stress. With the support of this scholarship, I can invest in necessary tools, materials, and resources to enhance my learning experience. Moreover, it will enable me to participate in additional training programs and workshops, expanding my skill set and knowledge base in the field of electrical work. How will you use this scholarship to advance your community and your chosen field? Receiving this scholarship would not only benefit me individually but also empower my community and contribute to the advancement of the electrical trade industry. With financial stability, I can dedicate more time and energy to community outreach programs and initiatives aimed at promoting electrical safety and education. Additionally, I plan to mentor aspiring electricians and provide hands-on training opportunities to individuals from underserved communities. By sharing my knowledge and expertise, I hope to inspire others to pursue careers in the electrical trade and contribute to the growth and development of our community. What are some of your motivations to pursue this field? My motivation to pursue a career in electrical work stems from a genuine love and passion for the craft. From a young age, I was fascinated by the intricacies of circuits, wiring, and electrical systems. I find joy and fulfillment in troubleshooting problems, designing solutions, and witnessing the tangible impact of my work. Electrical work isn't just a job for me—it's my calling, my passion, and my purpose. Every day, I am driven by the opportunity to learn, grow, and make a meaningful difference in the world through my work in the electrical trade industry. What makes you stand out from other candidates? What sets me apart from other candidates is my unwavering dedication, genuine enthusiasm, and hands-on experience in the field of electrical work. Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to go above and beyond expectations. Additionally, my commitment to community service and my proactive approach to learning distinguish me as a candidate who is not only passionate about electrical work but also dedicated to making a positive impact in my community and beyond. With a combination of technical expertise, practical experience, and a heartfelt passion for my craft, I am confident that I can excel in my chosen field and contribute meaningfully to the world of electrical trade. Conclusion: In conclusion, receiving this scholarship would not only alleviate financial barriers but also empower me to pursue my passion for electrical work with renewed vigor and determination. With the support of this scholarship, I am committed to advancing my studies, empowering my community, and making a lasting impact in the field of electrical trade. Thank you for considering my application and for the opportunity to share my aspirations and dreams.
David Derosin
George T Baker Aviation Technical CollegeMIAMI, FL
In the recent past years, I have acknowledged and accepted that school is not for me. I truly detest being cooped up in a classroom, staring at a promethean board just questioning at what point what I am currently learning will apply to my life in the future. I'm sure in the future it will play a minuscule role in my future, but I much prefer certainty and longevity. I say this in the aspect that trade teaches and prepares people for a career while providing proper technique, provisions, and training. I love trade school because you can study one specific trade and it can be applied to many other different aspects and trade. I am a dual enrolled student and attend George T. Baker aviation technical college. As the name suggests it is a technical college that specializes in aviation related education and training. I am in the airframe department which focuses on the maintenance, repairs, and inspection of aircraft. Through the certificate training, I have learned skills like working sheet metal, welding, troubleshooting electrical systems, and even utilizing fluid powers. All these skills I've learned from one career path opened the gate for many others. I started this career with many goals in mind. I wanted to travel the world, a long-lasting stable career, and a way of supporting my family. I have these goals in mind daily because they also help motivate me with this career. What truly motivates me is wanting better for myself and my family. I am a Haitian American young man in Miami. As a Haitian surrounded by Haitians, I am saddened every day to see strong capable people settling for less. This scholarship would show my community there are better ways of living. This scholarship would boost the morale of my community, giving people in my neighborhood motivation to also indulge in a trade career. This would boost the future applicants of trade while also seeing someone that looks like them thriving happily in life. I'd be considered a role model while inspiring the community and showing my neighbors what hard work, dedication, and perseverance can lead to. This scholarship would not only benefit me but also creates a ripple effect of positive impact within my community. Although trade school has a lower tuition cost compared to traditional colleges, I would like to completely alleviate the financial burden and stress schooling may cause. Honestly, neither me nor my family has the financial means to send or support me through schooling. This scholarship would help lessen the burden of tuition allowing me to focus on my schooling more. While this scholarship would reduce the financial stress of schooling, it would add to my portfolio also promoting academic success. As the financial burden is reduced, I can take opportunities such as internships, workshops, and conferences related to aviation. These experiences would enhance my skills and knowledge, making me a more competitive candidate in the job market. I truly fell in love with trade because of its versatility and how hands on it is. You are taught what is needed and then you are just to apply it to your industry of work. Besides my love for trade, what really makes me stand out from other candidates is my drive and ambition. I want to be the greatest at anything I do to leave a legacy. I woke up at 5am every day to catch the bus to get to school rain or shine. Seeing how some people thought I was very mature while also wondering how I managed to attend trade school early in the morning while maintaining good grades in my high school and an extracurricular sport after school. I would like to thank you for the opportunity of allowing me to express my love for trade and I look forward to hearing more about future trade-related scholarship opportunities.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jul 31, 2024. Winners will be announced on Aug 31, 2024.