Trades Make the World Go 'Round

$500
1 winner$500
Awarded
Application Deadline
Apr 30, 2024
Winners Announced
May 31, 2024
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school, undergraduate, or trade school student
Field of Study:
Pursuing a trade program (HVAC, electrician, roofing, welding, general contractor, cosmetology, etc.)

There is a growing need for more workers in the trades, as they are vital fields that are facing shortages. 

As fields evolve, becoming a trade specialist requires additional training and schooling, which often comes at a high cost. The expense imposed by college or certification programs can deter students from lower-income families from pursuing their academic and professional goals.

This scholarship aims to support the next generation of trade specialists by reducing the financial barrier posed by education.

Any high school, undergraduate, or trade school student who will be pursuing a trade program, including HVAC, roofing, welding, cosmetology, etc., may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us about yourself and why you’re pursuing a career in the trades.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Passion
Published November 2, 2023
Essay Topic

Please tell us a bit about yourself and why you are choosing the path of the trades.

250–600 words

Winners and Finalists

May 2024

Finalists
Lorenz Anderson
Abbie Strait
Nick Dang
Ava Stewart
Derek Otter
Ashley Gonzalez
Haley Rose
Smon Andebrhan
Dakota Rivers
Jamacy Daniels
michael williams
Hanna Riggs
Kelley Dennison
Joseph Jackson
Madison Woolston
Christina Hodel
Kayla Wood
Zane Hochstetler
Colton Hogue
Amanda Schwartz
Iliana Ingamells
HarLee Dykstra
Bryelle Schultz
Latayia Allen
Gregory McGinnis
Dorian Tavela
Gabriel Hernandez
ayesha williams
Steven Avalos
Amilcar Fernandez
Jessica Baker
Daniel Kish
Ciana Webb
jesus ojeda
Colson Deevers
Delfon King
Reed Redline
Stephanie Suarez
Agnes Exantus
LaToya Nelson
James Harrison
Ezequiel Martinez Lopez
Alexis Sarabia
Taylor Young
Amber Beans
Megan Kendrick
Brandon Kolic
Mariam Neyazi
Andrea Sponseller
Garret Willmarth
Olivia Smith
Jadon Uecker
Kathryn Jessup
daniel knowles
Jasmine Guerrero
Felicia Smolinski
Marina Perales-Brady
Karri Hunt
Zachary Rasmussen
Hannah Dorsey
Olivia Thompson
Juelz Soria
Taeshon Vazquez

Winning Application

Morianna Llapa
Northland Community and Technical CollegeGRAND FORKS, ND
My name is Morianna Llapa. Going into the trades was something that was frowned upon my peers. They said going to a university will get me better jobs than going to a trade school. I was so discouraged at first but I knew that I wanted to go into health field and a trade school can teach me just as much or even more than a university. I learned from my mom who went to a university to be a nurse that it's not always better to go to an expensive college when a trade school is half the price and can give you the same outcome. She ended up being $80,000 in debt and currently still has $40,000 to pay off even though it has been over 16 years. My dad on the other hand went to a trade school to learn about mechanics. He barely had to pay anything due to how cheap costs were for trade school and since he was very low income he was able to get scholarships. He doesn't nearly make as much as my mom does but he isn't drowning in debt. He is able to living comfortably and save for retirement while my mom wonders when she will ever be done paying off her debt. I don't want to walk the path as everyone else and go to university. I want to prove to my peers that a college degree from anywhere is still a degree. I want to get a certificate for phlebotomy and then get a sonography degree. My goal is to help people and with a sonography degree I can use technology to help find the root cause of what is causing people pain or sickness. I currently work full time to pay for this dream I have to make it a reality. I want to have a purpose and helping people and the community is my calling.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Apr 30, 2024. Winners will be announced on May 31, 2024.