Operation HVAC

$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Awarded
Application Deadline
Apr 26, 2025
Winners Announced
May 26, 2025
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate

ETS recognizes the unique skills and discipline that veterans bring to the workforce, including perseverance, dedication, and discipline. 

Unfortunately, there are also financial challenges that can come with transitioning to civilian life and pursuing further education after a career in the military. After their great bravery and sacrifice, veterans should have all the support they need to fulfill their dreams and pursue their ambitions. Investing in their education and training can express gratitude to veterans and empower them to achieve their career goals and contribute to their field with their expertise and dedication.

This scholarship was created to address the growing need for skilled HVAC technicians in the industry and to honor the service and dedication of military veterans and their families by supporting their pursuit of a career in HVAC. 

Any high school or undergraduate student who is pursuing the trades may apply for this scholarship opportunity, but those who are pursuing HVAC and applicants who are veterans or the children or spouses of veterans are preferred.

To apply, tell us about your service or your family member’s service and how this has impacted you. Additionally, tell us what the military has taught you, how you think this will improve your work, and how you hope to make a difference for others.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published August 27, 2024
Essay Topic

Reflecting on your military service, or the service of a close family member, describe how this experience has shaped your values, work ethic, and sense of purpose. How have these qualities influenced your decision to pursue a career in the trades? 


Discuss the specific skills and lessons you have gained from your military background (or family member’s service) that you believe will be valuable in your work. 


How do you envision making a difference in the lives of others, particularly within the veteran community or underserved populations?

400–600 words

Winning Application

Haley Pike
Essex North Shore Agricultural And Technical SchoolBeverly, MA
My brother graduated high school in June 2017 and joined the Army shortly afterward, leaving for basic training just six weeks later. At that time, I was young and felt lost; I didn’t fully understand where he was going, and I missed him deeply. My mom, too, was sad, as we didn’t hear from him for ten long weeks. There were no text messages or phone calls to bridge the gap. In October, my mom announced that she would be going to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri for my brother’s graduation from basic training. Soon after, he was transferred to Fort Stewart in Georgia for more training. Finally, I got to speak with him. He talked profoundly about the self-discipline he had developed and how much he had changed. You could hear it in the tone of his voice; he was different. After completing some advanced training, our family learned he would be deployed to an undisclosed location. This news hit hard; times were difficult, and we needed to embrace strength. We had to become a close-knit village, resilient in the face of uncertainty. Departure day arrived, and weeks passed without a call or text. When we did hear from him, the conversations were brief. I never imagined that his enlistment could bring our family this much stress. He traveled through Ireland, Kuwait, and Dubai, finally landing in the depths of Afghanistan. After a long 11 months, he returned stateside from deployment. My mom and I went to Georgia to welcome him home. At 3:30 AM, we witnessed the remarkable march-in ceremony. But when I finally saw my brother, I realized he had changed. He was still my brother, but the experience had left scars on him. He would smile and say he was okay, but I could see the weight he carried. Though I was still young, I learned a valuable lesson from my brother’s journey: perseverance in the face of challenges. I was determined to do something great for myself. With the mental support of my family, I knew that entering a male-dominated field would be difficult. However, I took pride in my drive and determination. If my brother could learn so much from the Army, then I could navigate the labor field and earn respect. I felt that a trade/vocational high school would suit me best. I faced some obstacles when I first joined, but I eventually found my passion in HVAC/R, despite initially hoping to pursue electrical work. I was aware of the challenges of being in a male-dominated environment, but I refused to let that deter me. I was determined to work hard for what I wanted. This value, this work ethic, is something I strive to carry forward, and I want to instill it in those who come after me. I have a goal, and I am committed to extending and pushing toward it. My brother taught me a lesson without even knowing he did, and I intend to honor that lesson every day.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Apr 26, 2025. Winners will be announced on May 26, 2025.