I am currently pursuing a career in the skilled trades because I believe building and maintaining the infrastructure of our country is one of the most meaningful ways to make a lasting impact. I am studying electrical work, a trade that requires precision, responsibility, and pride in craftsmanship. For me, this path is not just about finding a job it is about developing a skill set that allows me to contribute to my community and help build a stronger future. My interest in the trades comes from a desire to work with my hands while solving real world problems. Electrical work demands focus, attention to detail, and respect for safety standards. Every system installed or repaired affects people’s daily lives, and that responsibility is something I take seriously. I am motivated by the idea that my work will be depended on, whether it is powering homes, businesses, or essential services. Knowing that my effort has a direct and practical impact is what drew me to this field. In addition to my education, I value service and giving back. Volunteering has shown me how important it is to support others and take pride in contributing beyond personal gain. Whether through helping people directly or being involved in community efforts, volunteering reinforced the idea that strong communities are built by individuals willing to step up and help when needed. That mindset aligns closely with the values of the skilled trades showing up, doing the work, and taking responsibility for the outcome. My long-term goal is to become a licensed electrician and continue developing my skills so I can grow into a dependable, knowledgeable tradesperson. I want to build a career based on consistency, safety, and quality workmanship. Over time, I hope to take on greater responsibility, mentor others entering the trades, and be someone others can rely on for both skill and professionalism. I see the trades not only as a career, but as a way to create stability and opportunity through honest work. I am proud to pursue a path that contributes to the strength of our country. Skilled trades are the backbone of construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure, and they play a critical role in keeping communities running. Builders, electricians, welders, and craftsmen are essential to progress, and I am motivated to be part of that next generation of makers and doers. Receiving the Patriot Metals Future Builders Scholarship would help support my education and allow me to stay focused on developing the skills necessary to succeed in the trades. This scholarship represents an investment in individuals who are committed to hard work, service, and impact. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity and build a future defined by pride in my work, dedication to my craft, and a commitment to contributing something meaningful.

Growing up, service was never an abstract idea in my family it was a way of life. Nearly every man in my family has served in the military, including my grandfather, a retired United States Air Force officer, and my father, who continues to serve today on active duty. Their commitment to service shaped my understanding of responsibility, discipline, and what it truly means to dedicate yourself to something greater than personal gain. Some of my strongest memories come from listening to stories shared around the house. My grandfather loved to talk about his time in the Air Force not to boast, but to teach. He spoke about long hours, strict standards, and the importance of doing your job right even when it went unnoticed. What stood out most was his humility. He never framed his service as extraordinary; he saw it as his duty. Through his stories, I learned that character is built through consistency, not recognition. My father carries those same values into his active-duty service. Watching him lead has taught me lessons I carry with me every day. He approaches his responsibilities with focus and accountability, understanding that people depend on him to make the right decisions. I’ve seen firsthand how much sacrifice comes with military service, but I’ve also seen the pride that comes from commitment and integrity. From him, I learned that leadership means setting an example, staying disciplined, and taking ownership of your actions. These lessons directly influence how I approach my education and future career. I am pursuing training in the skilled trades because I believe in work that requires precision, accountability, and pride. Like military service, skilled trades demand attention to detail and respect for safety and standards. Mistakes can have serious consequences, and there is no room for shortcuts. That mindset feels familiar to me because it mirrors how I was raised. James T. Godwin’s story resonates with me because it reflects the same values I grew up around service, ambition, and dedication to family. His life reminds me that impact is not measured only by rank or awards, but by the way someone carries themselves and influences others. Whether in uniform, in a career, or within a family, those values leave a lasting mark. This scholarship would help me continue building a future grounded in those principles. It would allow me to focus on my education and development while honoring the legacy of military service that has shaped who I am. I am proud to come from a family that believes in service, discipline, and responsibility, and I strive every day to reflect those values in my own path forward.

I am currently pursuing my education in the electrical trade, and this journey has been shaped deeply by my family especially my grandmother, who passed away from lung cancer. She was one of the strongest influences in my life, and her strength, resilience, and unconditional support continue to motivate me as I work toward building a stable and meaningful future. My grandmother was the kind of person who always put family first. Even while battling illness, she remained strong, encouraging, and selfless. She believed in hard work and responsibility, and she constantly reminded me that nothing worthwhile comes easy. Watching her face life’s challenges with courage taught me the importance of perseverance, even when circumstances are difficult. Losing her was incredibly painful, but her memory continues to guide the way I approach my education, my career, and my role within my family. I am currently studying the electrical trade because I want a career built on skill, accountability, and long-term stability. I chose this path because it allows me to work with my hands, solve real problems, and provide essential services that people depend on every day. The electrical field demands focus, discipline, and respect for safety qualities my grandmother valued and lived by. I want to honor her by building a career rooted in integrity and dedication. This scholarship would play a significant role in helping me achieve my goals. I am preparing not only for my future, but for my growing family as well. I have a baby on the way, due to be born this month, and becoming a parent has given me a deeper sense of purpose. Every decision I make now is about creating stability, security, and opportunity. Continuing my education without constant financial stress allows me to stay focused on learning the trade correctly and safely, so I can build a career my child can be proud of. My grandmother often spoke about the importance of leaving something behind not just financially, but through character and example. As I move forward in my education and career, I carry that lesson with me. I want my child to grow up seeing the value of perseverance, responsibility, and commitment. I want them to know that even in the face of loss, it is possible to keep moving forward with determination. Receiving this scholarship would be more than financial assistance it would be a meaningful investment in my future and a way to honor my grandmother’s legacy. It would help me continue my education, prepare for fatherhood, and build a career that reflects the values she instilled in me. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and carrying her memory forward through hard work, growth, and purpose.

I am currently studying the electrical trade at Lincoln Tech, and I chose this path because it represents stability, purpose, and a future I can build with my own hands. The electrical trade is not just a career choice for me it is a commitment to responsibility, growth, and providing a better life for my family. With a baby on the way, due to be born on January 21st, my motivation to succeed has never been stronger. I was drawn to the electrical field because it requires both mental discipline and practical skill. Electricity is powerful and unforgiving, which means electricians must be knowledgeable, detail oriented, and committed to safety. As I began learning about electrical systems, motors, wiring methods, and codes, I realized how much trust is placed in skilled tradespeople. That responsibility is something I take seriously. I want to be the person others can rely on to do the job correctly, safely, and with integrity. I chose to pursue a career in this trade because I want long term stability, not just for myself, but for my growing family. Becoming a parent has changed the way I view my future. Every hour I spend studying and training is an investment in being able to provide consistency, security, and opportunity for my child. I want my child to grow up seeing the value of hard work, discipline, and dedication, and to know that their future is built on effort and perseverance. At Lincoln Tech, I am developing the technical foundation necessary to succeed in the electrical industry. The coursework challenges me to think critically, follow standards, and understand the importance of doing things the right way the first time. I approach my education with focus and determination because I know that mastery of this trade will open doors to a stable and rewarding career. My goal is to continue progressing through apprenticeship, earn my license, and grow into a skilled electrician who takes pride in quality workmanship. I believe I will be successful in this trade because I am driven, disciplined, and committed to continuous improvement. Balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities has taught me resilience and accountability. I don’t take shortcuts, and I don’t settle for “good enough.” Those qualities are essential in the electrical field, where mistakes can have serious consequences. To me, success means being able to support my family, take pride in my work, and build a future based on reliability and respect. It means knowing that my child will grow up seeing what it looks like to work hard for something meaningful. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden of my education and allow me to stay focused on becoming the skilled electrician my family and community can depend on. This scholarship is not just financial assistance it is an opportunity to invest in a future built on responsibility, determination, and the skilled trades.

Why I Chose to Become an Electrical Technician The trade I’m pursuing is Electrical Technician, and I’m passionate about it because it blends problem-solving, hands-on work, and innovation. From a young age, I was curious about how things work especially anything that involved wires, lights, or batteries. I remember taking apart old electronics just to see what was inside. That curiosity evolved into a strong interest in the electrical field. As I got older, I realized how essential electrical systems are in every part of our lives homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses all depend on them to function. Becoming an Electrical Technician means becoming someone who can keep those systems running, diagnose problems when they arise, and install new technology that improves people’s everyday lives. I’m passionate about this trade because it allows me to think critically, work with my hands, and solve real-world problems that have a direct impact on others. Plans for the Future After completing my trade education, I plan to enter the workforce as a certified Electrical Technician and begin gaining on-the-job experience. My short-term goal is to work under experienced professionals who can help sharpen my skills in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. I want to become a well-rounded technician who can handle everything from troubleshooting to system installations and upgrades. Long-term, I’m interested in specializing in sustainable and energy-efficient systems, such as solar power and smart grid technology. I believe that the future of electrical work is closely tied to sustainability, and I want to be at the forefront of that change. Eventually, I’d also like to mentor others entering the trade, especially young people who might not realize how rewarding a skilled trade can be. I see this career not just as a job, but as a lifelong opportunity to learn, grow, and give back. Overcoming Adversity One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was during my final year of high school. My family was going through financial hardship after my dad lost his job, and it forced me to rethink my future. College was no longer a guaranteed option, and I had to figure out how to move forward without putting a burden on my family. I took on part-time work after school and started researching affordable, career-focused alternatives. That’s when I found a local pre-apprenticeship program in electrical trades. It gave me hands-on experience, connected me with mentors, and helped me discover my passion. At times it was overwhelming balancing work, school, and training, but I stayed focused on my goals. That experience taught me discipline, determination, and how to find opportunity in the middle of a setback. It showed me that adversity can push you in the right direction if you stay committed and open to learning.

From a young age, I’ve always been curious about how things work, especially when it comes to electricity. I remember watching an electrician rewire part of our home after a storm had knocked out power. While most people saw a mess of wires and switches, I saw something incredible the careful skill of someone restoring power and safety to our home. That experience sparked something in me, and since then, I’ve been passionate about learning how to work with electrical systems and build a future in the trades. Today, I am pursuing a career as an Electrical Technician, and this scholarship would play a vital role in helping me achieve that goal. My ultimate ambition is to become a licensed journeyman and, eventually, a master electrician. I want to specialize in both residential and commercial electrical systems, with a focus on smart technologies and energy efficient solutions. The field is rapidly evolving, and I’m excited about how electricians are helping shape the future through solar installations, EV charging stations, and home automation systems. As homes and businesses continue to adopt newer technologies, the demand for skilled, forward-thinking electricians is only going to grow. I want to be at the forefront of that change installing systems that not only serve people’s immediate needs but also help reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. But for me, this career is about more than just technology. It’s about purpose. I’ve seen how essential the trades are in everyday life. When the lights go out, when a building needs to be brought up to code, or when a family moves into a new home, they all rely on the skills of someone trained and qualified. That’s what I want to be: someone people can count on; someone whose work truly matters. I also want to give back by eventually mentoring apprentices and encouraging more young people to consider a career in the trades, especially those who may not think college is the only path to success. Financially, pursuing a career in the electrical trade comes with a lot of upfront expenses. Tuition, books, certification fees, and tools all add up quickly. While I’m committed to investing in my education and training, I also work part-time to support myself, which can make it challenging to stay on track with both learning and living expenses. This scholarship would provide critical financial relief and allow me to dedicate more time to gaining hands on experience, studying for my exams, and completing the required training without the constant stress of making ends meet. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden but also affirm my commitment to this path. It would be a reminder that hard work is recognized and that there are people and organizations who believe in the future of the trades and in students like me. With your support, I’ll be one step closer to turning my passion for electrical work into a lifelong career. I am ready to learn, to grow, and to contribute to a trade that keeps our homes safe, our cities running, and our communities connected.

My name is Corey Fields, and I’m from Montgomery, Alabama. I am currently pursuing a career in electrical engineering at Lincoln Tech—a field that combines my passion for problem solving with my desire to make a lasting impact on my community. Growing up in Montgomery, I saw both the challenges and the potential in underserved neighborhoods. I want to use my skills in electrical engineering not only to build a successful career, but also to help modernize and improve the infrastructure of the place I call home. From a young age, I was fascinated by how things worked—how a light switch could brighten a room or how energy flowed through a circuit to power everyday life. As I got older, I realized electrical engineering is behind many of the systems we rely on: from power grids and renewable energy to communication networks and smart technologies. This realization sparked something in me. I knew this was more than just a career path—it was a calling. At Lincoln Tech, I’m currently building a strong foundation in the fundamentals of electrical systems, circuitry, and safety. I take my education seriously because I know mastering my trade requires both technical knowledge and hands-on experience. I’m committed to learning all I can—from my instructors, from industry professionals, and through real-world application. I seek out opportunities to shadow experienced electricians, work on projects outside of class, and constantly challenge myself to grow. But my goals extend beyond personal success. I believe a true professional gives back. In Montgomery, there are still neighborhoods with aging electrical systems and families who can't always afford reliable help. One of my long-term goals is to offer discounted or even volunteer electrical services to residents in need, helping improve safety and quality of life where it's most needed. I also want to work on sustainable and energy-efficient systems that can bring cost-effective power solutions to underserved communities. In addition, I’m passionate about inspiring the next generation. Too many young people in my city feel that college is the only path to success and don’t realize how valuable a skilled trade can be. I plan to mentor high school students, especially those who may feel overlooked, and show them the opportunities that come with hard work, technical training, and a strong sense of purpose. Receiving this scholarship would relieve some of the financial pressure of school and allow me to fully focus on building my skills and advancing toward my goals. It would also be a vote of confidence in my mission—not just to become a skilled electrical engineer, but to be someone who uplifts others along the way. Thank you for considering my application. With your support, I will continue to work hard, serve others, and build a career that lights the way forward—for myself, and for my community.