Smart Service Scholarship

$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Awarded
Application Deadline
Apr 15, 2023
Winners Announced
May 15, 2023
Education Level
Undergraduate, High School
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school or undergraduate student
Field of Study:
Pursuing the skilled trades
Education Level:
Field of Study:
High school or undergraduate student
Pursuing the skilled trades

My Service Depot facilitates software to the field service industry and wants to help students interested in similar careers.

The trades are a crucial part of society and the economy, but a lack of appreciation for them has led to a shortage in the skilled trades. As people retire, the number of new tradespeople entering the workforce isn’t sufficient. For example, while 7,000 new electricians enter the field every year, 10,000 retire, resulting in a growing shortage.

This scholarship aims to support students who are pursuing higher education in the skilled trades.

Any high school or undergraduate student who is pursuing a skilled trade, such as HVAC, electric, plumbing, construction, fire protection, landscape design, pest control, or a related field may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us what trade you’re pursuing and why.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published November 8, 2022
$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Awarded
Application Deadline
Apr 15, 2023
Winners Announced
May 15, 2023
Education Level
Undergraduate, High School
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Essay Topic

Please share what trade career path you're interested in pursuing and why.

400–600 words

Winning Application

Jared Medearis
Clackamas Community CollegeBanks, OR
I grew up in a small town where almost everyone knew their way around one skilled trade or another. However, I had an absent father who didn't teach me any of those skills, and a single mother who couldn't teach me even if she had the time. As I grew older, I wanted to be the kind of husband and father that could take care of my home and teach my children to do the same. When it came time to decide on a career path, I gravitated towards options that would teach me some of those skills. Having seen the financial struggle of a single parent, job security and income were also important factors in my career exploration. I am pursuing plumbing because it gives me the self-reliance I yearned for in my youth, it is an important field of work, and as a plumber, I can provide for my family. Learning a skill that is so essential to society has given me greater confidence. Pursuing plumbing is teaching me how to use power tools, allowing me to repair and maintain the plumbing in my own home, and enabling me to serve others who need plumbing assistance. For example, being able to update my kitchen faucet on my own gave me a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. What is now a simple do-it-yourself project was once a project that seemed unattainable. Many people who are interested in trades shy away from plumbing because it isn't the most glamorous job, but our lives would be very different without it. Access to clean water, facilities that keep our homes clear of waste, and getting hot water in seconds are all blessings from plumbing that I feel many people take for granted. The beginnings of plumbing started centuries ago. The long history of plumbing innovation has improved our quality of life immensely. I don't want to see this trade be diminished in any way. I consider it a privilege to be part of such a profound legacy. Plumbing is an essential job. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were out of work. I was blessed to be able to keep working because people need clear drains and running water. There are many aspects to plumbing, so I don't have to worry about not having work. Whether it is repiping homes, roto rooting drains, or servicing water heaters, there is always someone out there who needs or wants something done. Plumbing also opens the door to being a code inspector, teaching apprentices, or starting my own business. I am confident that I will always be able to provide for my wife and kids because I am pursuing a career in plumbing. Of the many trade career paths that are important to society and the economy, I am carrying on the legacy of plumbing. Learning to plumb is teaching me valuable life skills. Pursuing plumbing allows me to provide for my family in an honest way that I can be proud of. Plumbing is helping me be the man I have always wanted to be.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Apr 15, 2023. Winners will be announced on May 15, 2023.

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