PD Instore Scholarship

Funded by
$20,000
2 winners, $10,000 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
May 3, 2024
Winners Announced
Jun 3, 2024
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school student
States:
Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin)

PD Instore believes in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strives to create a workplace that is representative of the communities the company serves. To realize this vision, it’s crucial to first recognize racial disparities, including the wealth gap that exists among the Black, Indigenous & People of Color (BIPOC) communities in. the midwest, particularly in Minnesota. One way to bridge this gap is to create opportunities for access to post-secondary education and future careers that are otherwise out of reach. 

As college becomes increasingly expensive, more students are getting left behind due to their financial status. BIPOC students are one such group affected, which is why PD Instore has launched a scholarship program to help BIPOC students in the midwest pursue a career in the trades following their high school education. 

The PD Instore Scholarship will provide funding to prospective post-secondary students residing in the midwest, with preference given Minnesota, interested in pursuing a career in production. 

Any high school student in the midwest may apply for this scholarship, but BIPOC students focusing their career path on production/trades, including, but not limited to, Carpentry, Machine Operation, Logistics, Print Production, Project Management, 3D Design and Engineering are preferred. 

To apply, please explain how you plan on making a difference within your career in your chosen trade.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published February 2, 2024
Essay Topic

How do you plan on making a difference within your career in your chosen trade?

600–800 words

Winning Applications

Sophia Forman
Bay Port High SchoolGREEN BAY, WI
Ibrahim Alowonle
Osseo Senior HighBrooklyn Park, MN
I am deeply appreciative of PD Instore generosity in offering this scholarship to local students. I am grateful for the chance to apply for this scholarship. The financial assistance this scholarship offers would alleviate some burden on my parents, particularly because I am a triplet. With three tuitions to consider, any financial support is invaluable, and this money will put my family in a better situation in terms of financing our college education. I do plan to major in electrical engineering at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. I've always known I wanted to do Electrical Engineering. I like learning about how electronic devices and how their different components work. My goal is to get my bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and work my way up to a job in a semiconductor manufacturing company. As a high school senior, I find myself inspired by the remarkable journey of my father, who has carved a path of success in the field of electrical engineering despite facing numerous obstacles along the way. Coming from humble beginnings, my dad's story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of hard work. In a field predominantly occupied by white men, he has defied expectations and risen to the esteemed position of Senior Electrical Engineer at Daikin, a testament to his unwavering dedication and expertise. Witnessing my dad's achievements firsthand has instilled in me a profound desire to follow in his footsteps and continue his legacy of excellence. I am deeply motivated to pursue a career as a Senior Electrical Engineer, driven by a passion for innovation, problem-solving, and the desire to make a meaningful impact in the world. From observing my dad's work ethic and approach to the field, I understand the importance of dedication, perseverance, and continuous self-improvement in achieving success in this demanding discipline. As I embark on this journey, I am keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Electrical engineering is a complex and dynamic field that requires not only technical expertise but also creative thinking and adaptability. I recognize that success in this profession will require me to apply myself wholeheartedly to my studies, constantly seeking opportunities for growth and learning both inside and outside the classroom. Moreover, I am committed to embodying the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in my future career as an electrical engineer. Inspired by the ethos of PD Instore and guided by my father's example, I aspire to create a workplace environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and representative of the diverse communities we serve. Just as my dad had to navigate the challenges of being a minority in his field, I am prepared to advocate for diversity initiatives, mentorship programs, and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. I am also passionate about using my platform as a Senior Electrical Engineer to drive positive change within the industry and beyond. Whether through innovative engineering solutions, collaborative partnerships with community organizations, or advocacy for sustainable practices, I believe that engineers have a unique opportunity to shape the future and address pressing societal challenges. By harnessing the power of technology and innovation, I am committed to making a difference in the world and leaving a lasting legacy that honors my father's pioneering spirit. In conclusion, my journey to becoming a Senior Electrical Engineer is not just about achieving personal success, but also about carrying forward the legacy of those who have paved the way before me. Inspired by my dad's resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence, I am determined to make my mark in the field of electrical engineering and continue his legacy of impact and innovation. With dedication, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion, I am confident that I can make a meaningful difference in the world and leave a lasting legacy that honors the values I hold dear.
melina figueroa
Arizona State University-TempeTEMPE, AZ
This scholarship will help give me the opportunity to further my education. I come from a low-income household and was raised by a single mother. Despite her hard work ethic, college still remains very expensive and a constant worry for me. I have worked in the past to help save money but still remain in need of financial assistance. As a first-generation student, I am motivated and confident in my ability to strive in college. This scholarship can provide financial relief for me. I want to continue my education to help others in the future and this scholarship would help me achieve my goals. I am planning on majoring in business marketing while also obtaining my esthetician license. In the future, I hope on opening a med spa to be able to make others feel confident in their skin. I am currently enrolled in a cosmetology program to learn more about the skin. Throughout my career, I want to be able to make others feel beautiful and embrace their skin. Growing up my sister had cystic acne which shattered her confidence. Seeing this happen with my sister inspired me to help others achieve their dream skin goals. I am passionate about helping others achieve happiness and confidence and I believe this can be gained through confidence within the skin. I hope to further make a positive impact in the world and furthering my education will certainly help me achieve that goal. My sister and I learned from a young age how to be independent and hardworking. My mom worked every day of the week growing up trying to provide for my sister and me. I worked while in high school as well my sister because money has always been a stressor for my family. Seeing my mom's hard work ethic inspired me to work my hardest in school. My goal as a first-generation student has always been to attend college. My mother has shaped me into who I am and taught me to treat everyone with kindness. I learned to be grateful for every opportunity I have received. As a Hispanic woman, I faced many stereotypes and negative stigmas growing up. Since I have dealt with racism and sexism I have learned to have a very open and forgiving mind. I learned that I could achieve any goal I had because I learned that my differences could benefit me to be my best self. Growing up there were many opportunities my family couldn't afford so I made it a priority to work hard in school to be able to attend college so that my future family would not have to grow up with similar struggles. This scholarship could positively change my life and allow me to gain the education needed to provide for my future family. Growing up in a low-income household I understand how it feels to be in need. My mother has always instilled the value to treat everyone with respect and kindness. I strive to make the community a better place. In school, I was part of a club named DECA which led two community service projects. In the fall we collected hygiene products to donate to the local community shelter. This helped students who couldn't afford hygiene products. In the winter we collected necessities like gloves, hats, and scarves. In Minnesota it reaches below zero degrees in the winter and many kids walk to school and can't afford these necessities so it helped others immensely. During this time I also made tie blankets for the homeless with a school club named FCCLA. The winter can be fatal for the homeless so something as small as a blanket can create a large impact. Not only do I try to help those in need but I try to create a safer environment. I created a public service announcement with my school club FCCLA targeting speeding while driving. This PSA helped encourage students to slow down and create safer roads. I am also a strong mental health advocate. Growing up I struggled with mental health issues like depression and anxiety so I wanted to inspire others to reach out for help. I helped create an anti-bullying campaign and put up posters around the school with mental health resources. I want to create a change in the world and my future goals align with my passion for helping others. This scholarship could allow me to achieve my goals of helping others. The ability to further my education is something I do not plan to take for granted. The opportunity is one that my mother did not have therefore, I am inspired to continue my education.
Tala Naffa
North Hennepin Community CollegeDayton, MN

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is May 3, 2024. Winners will be announced on Jun 3, 2024.