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Haley Hilke

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Hunting
  • Fishing

Reading

-

Bio

I am a dedicated and hardworking student pursuing a degree in Electrical Technology, with an expected graduation date of May 2027. As a woman entering a traditionally male-dominated trade, I am committed to breaking barriers through determination, professionalism, and excellence. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, reflecting my strong work ethic, discipline, and passion for learning. My goal is to build a successful career in the electrical industry where I can continue developing my skills, contribute to my community, and inspire other women to pursue careers in the skilled trades. Receiving this grant would help ease the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus on achieving academic success and preparing for a long-term career in the electrical field. I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered and am committed to making the most of every opportunity this education provides.

Education

New Castle School of Trades

Trade School

2026 – 2027

Majors:
  • Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Trade School
Medical school interest:
No

Career

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
Work experience:
0 years
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Volunteering
Raise Me Up to DO GOOD Scholarship
Being raised in a single-parent or blended family has shaped who I am in ways I did not always recognize growing up. It taught me that family is not always defined by having a perfect situation or following a traditional path. Family is about the people who show up, support one another, make sacrifices, and keep moving forward when life becomes difficult. My experiences have taught me resilience, independence, responsibility, and the importance of never taking the people who love me for granted. Growing up, I learned that life does not always go according to plan. There were times when circumstances were difficult and things did not come easily. Watching my family work through challenges taught me that you cannot always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond. I learned to keep going, even when I was frustrated, overwhelmed, or unsure of what the future would look like. Those lessons have stayed with me and have influenced the way I approach my education, my work, and my goals. My family experiences have also made me want to create a different kind of future for myself. I want to be independent and build a stable life through my own hard work. Education has become an important part of that journey. I am currently pursuing Electrical Technology and working toward my associate degree, with the goal of graduating in May 2027. I have worked hard in school and am proud to have maintained a 4.0 GPA. Reaching that goal has shown me that my circumstances do not have to determine my future. My determination and willingness to work for what I want can. I also believe that the challenges I have experienced can become strengths. They have taught me to understand that everyone is fighting battles that may not be visible from the outside. Because of that, I want to be the kind of person who notices when someone needs help. Whether it is helping a coworker learn something new, encouraging someone who is struggling in school, or simply being there for someone who needs support, I want my success to have a positive impact on other people. When I picture my future, I do not only see a specific job title. I see myself becoming someone who is dependable, hardworking, and capable of making a difference. My career may continue to develop and change as I gain experience, but I know the values I want to carry with me wherever I go. I want to use my talents, knowledge, and work ethic to make people's lives easier and safer. Whether that happens through electrical work, leadership, mentoring, volunteering, or another opportunity I have not discovered yet, I want my abilities to serve a purpose beyond myself. Being raised in a single-parent or blended family taught me that success is not about having an easy beginning. It is about what you do with the experiences you are given. My past has given me determination, my education is giving me opportunity, and my future will give me the chance to help others. I may not know exactly where my career will take me, but I know the kind of person I want to become: someone who works hard, stays humble, gives back, and uses every opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Uniball's Skilled Trades Scholarship
The trade I am pursuing is Electrical Technology, and I chose this path because I want a career that challenges me, gives me opportunities to grow, and allows me to build something meaningful with my own hands. I have always wanted to create a future for myself through hard work, and the electrical trade gives me the opportunity to turn that goal into a reality. I am currently working toward my associate degree in Electrical Technology, with an expected graduation date of May 2027. What makes me passionate about electrical work is that there is always something new to learn. Electricity is something most people use every day without thinking about everything that goes into making it work safely and efficiently. Learning how electrical systems are designed, installed, maintained, and troubleshot has made me appreciate how important skilled electricians are. I enjoy learning how the pieces of a system work together and figuring out why something is not working correctly. There is a sense of accomplishment that comes from looking at a problem, working through it, and finding the solution. My journey into the trades has also taught me a lot about myself. As a woman pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I know I may sometimes have to prove myself. However, I do not see being a woman in the trades as a limitation. I see it as an opportunity to show that dedication, knowledge, and work ethic are not defined by gender. I want to be someone who encourages other women to consider careers in the trades and realize that they belong in these industries too. My education has become extremely important to me because I know it is preparing me for the career I want. I take pride in my work and strive to understand the material rather than simply memorizing it. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA has shown me that when I commit myself to something, I can accomplish more than I may have once believed possible. There have been challenging days, but every difficult assignment, complicated diagram, and new concept has pushed me to become more confident and capable. I am also passionate about electrical technology because it provides opportunities for a future where I can continue learning and advancing. I do not want to stop growing once I graduate. I want to gain hands-on experience, continue developing my skills, and eventually become someone others can rely on for quality work, problem-solving, and knowledge. My goal is to build a stable career while continuing to challenge myself and take on greater responsibilities. Pursuing this trade represents more than simply choosing a career. It represents the future I am working to create for myself. Electrical Technology has given me a direction and a reason to keep pushing forward, even when things become difficult. I am proud to be building a career through education, determination, and hard work. I am passionate about this trade because it gives me the chance to make a difference, prove what I am capable of, and create a future based on something I have earned with my own hands.
Olivia Rodrigo Fan Scholarship
Olivia Rodrigo’s music resonates with me because her lyrics often capture emotions that are difficult to put into words. One lyric that especially connects with my journey comes from “the grudge”: “I hear your voice every time that I think I’m not enough.” While the song is about a complicated relationship, I relate to the deeper meaning behind those words—the way past experiences, mistakes, and doubts can sometimes make you question your own worth. My journey has not been a straight path. I earned my GED in 2025, and instead of allowing my past to define what I could accomplish, I decided to use it as motivation to build the future I wanted. Going back to school and pursuing Electrical Technology has challenged me in ways I never expected. I work while attending school, and balancing responsibilities, studying, and everyday life can be exhausting. There have been moments when I have wondered if I am capable of reaching my goals or if I am taking on too much. That voice of doubt can be difficult to silence. But I have learned that feeling overwhelmed does not mean I am failing. Sometimes, it means I am growing. One of my proudest accomplishments has been earning a 4.0 GPA while continuing to work toward my future. That achievement means more to me than a number on a transcript. It represents the nights I chose to study when I was tired, the times I kept going when quitting would have been easier, and the decision I made to believe that I was capable of something more. Electrical Technology has given me a clear direction. I want to develop skills that will allow me to build a stable career and become someone who can solve problems, work with my hands, and make a meaningful contribution to the people around me. I know there will be difficult days ahead, but I also know now that difficulty does not determine the outcome. My determination does. The lyric from “the grudge” reminds me of the parts of my journey where I questioned myself. However, my story is not about staying in those moments. It is about moving beyond them. I cannot change everything that happened before I decided to pursue my education, but I can decide what happens next. My past has taught me resilience, my education has given me confidence, and my goals have given me something to work toward. I am no longer measuring myself by the things I once thought I could not accomplish. I am measuring myself by how far I have come. Olivia Rodrigo’s lyrics remind me that it is okay to acknowledge the hurt, doubt, and uncertainty that come with growing up. What matters is what I choose to do with those experiences. I choose to keep moving forward, keep learning, and keep proving to myself that I am enough—and that I am capable of building the future I want.
Bright Lights Scholarship
My plans for the future are to continue my education, build a successful career in the electrical trade, become financially independent, and create a stable future for myself. I am currently pursuing an Associate degree in Electrical Technology, and my goal is to graduate in May 2027. I want to take everything I learn in school and use it to build a career that I can be proud of. I hope to become a skilled and dependable electrician who is known for working hard, solving problems, and doing things the right way. My journey to where I am today has not always been easy, but it has taught me the importance of determination. I earned my GED in 2025, and instead of stopping there, I decided that I wanted to continue my education and work toward a career in the trades. Choosing Electrical Technology was an important decision because I wanted to learn a skill that would give me opportunities for a long-term career. I enjoy hands-on work, learning how things operate, and figuring out solutions when something does not work the way it should. The electrical field allows me to combine all of those interests while building skills that I can use for the rest of my life. One of my biggest accomplishments since beginning my education has been maintaining a 4.0 GPA. I am proud of this because it represents more than just a number. It shows the effort and dedication I have put into my education. Balancing school with work and other responsibilities can be challenging, but I have learned how important it is to stay focused on my goals. My education is something I take seriously because I know that the work I put in today will affect the opportunities I have tomorrow. In the future, I want to continue gaining experience and expanding my knowledge in the electrical industry. I want to become someone that employers, coworkers, and customers can depend on. As I gain experience, I hope to take on more responsibility and continue advancing in my career. I also want to eventually use the knowledge I gain to help others who are interested in the trades. I believe skilled tradespeople are an important part of every community, and I want my career to allow me to make a positive contribution. This scholarship would help me achieve these goals by reducing the financial pressure that comes with attending school. The cost of tuition, books, tools, equipment, supplies, transportation, and other educational expenses can become difficult to manage while working and attending school. Electrical Technology is a hands-on program, which means having the proper tools and materials is an important part of learning. Financial assistance would allow me to put more of my attention toward my education instead of worrying about how I will cover every expense. Receiving this scholarship would be an investment in my future. It would help me continue my education and get one step closer to the career I am working so hard to achieve. I would not take that opportunity for granted. I would continue putting the same effort into my education that has allowed me to maintain a 4.0 GPA. Ultimately, I want to build a future based on hard work, education, and independence. I want to finish my degree, establish a successful career in the electrical trade, continue learning, and create a stable life for myself. I know that achieving these goals will take dedication, but I am willing to put in the work. This scholarship would help remove some of the financial challenges.
Track to the Trades
What are your personal goals and aspirations in the trades, and how will this scholarship help you achieve those goals? My goal in the trades is to build a successful and meaningful career in the electrical field. I am currently pursuing an Associate degree in Electrical Technology, with the goal of graduating in May 2027. I want to become a skilled, knowledgeable, and dependable electrician who takes pride in the work I do. I chose this career because I enjoy working with my hands, solving problems, learning how things work, and being challenged to figure out solutions. I also like the idea of having a career where the skills I learn will always be valuable and where I can continue growing throughout my life. My journey toward this career has taught me that reaching your goals requires determination and a willingness to keep moving forward, even when things are difficult. I earned my GED in 2025, and after that, I decided I wanted to continue my education and create a better future for myself. Starting college and entering a trade program was an important step for me because I knew I was investing in my future. Since beginning my Electrical Technology program, I have worked extremely hard to maintain a 4.0 GPA. Maintaining that GPA while balancing work, school, and my other responsibilities has required dedication, time management, and discipline. It has also shown me that when I set a goal for myself, I am capable of achieving it. I believe the trades are an essential part of modern society. Electrical systems are something people depend on every day, even when they do not think about the work behind them. Homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and countless other places all depend on safe and reliable electrical systems. Skilled electricians are needed to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair these systems. I want to be one of the people who provides those important services and contributes to my community through the work I do. My long-term aspiration is not simply to earn a degree or get a job. I want to build a career that gives me opportunities to continue learning, gain experience, take on greater responsibilities, and become an expert in my field. I want to be someone that coworkers, employers, and customers can trust. Eventually, I would also like to use the knowledge and experience I gain to help teach and encourage others who are interested in entering the trades. A scholarship would make a significant difference in helping me reach these goals. Although I am working while attending school, the cost of pursuing an education can be difficult to manage. Tuition, books, tools, equipment, supplies, transportation, and other school expenses add up quickly. Electrical Technology is a hands-on program, so having the proper tools and materials is especially important. Financial assistance would help reduce some of that burden and allow me to put more of my focus and energy into my education. This scholarship would mean more to me than simply receiving financial assistance. It would be an investment in the career and future I am working hard to create. It would help me continue my education, gain the skills I need, and move closer to becoming a professional in the electrical trade. I do not take opportunities like this for granted, and I would be determined to make the most of the support I receive. I am proud of how far I have come since earning my GED, and maintaining a 4.0 GPA has given me even more confidence in what I can accomplish. I know there will be challenges ahead, but I am willing to work for what I want. My goal is to finish my education, establish a successful career in the electrical trade, become financially independent, and build a future that I can be proud of. This scholarship would help me take another important step toward making those goals a reality.
Grover Scholarship Fund
My career objective is to build a successful and rewarding career in the electrical field and earn my Associate degree in Electrical Technology. I chose this career because I enjoy working with my hands, solving problems, learning how things work, and developing skills that I can use throughout my life. My goal is to become a knowledgeable, dependable, and hardworking electrician and continue growing within the electrical industry. I want to build a career that provides stability and allows me to be proud of the work I do. My education is very important to me because it is helping me create opportunities that I may not have had before. I earned my GED in 2025, and since starting my Electrical Technology program, I have worked hard to maintain a 4.0 GPA. Balancing school, work, and my personal responsibilities has not always been easy, but I have remained committed to my education. I am currently working toward graduating in May 2027, and I plan to use the education and experience I gain to pursue a long-term career in the electrical field. Financially, paying for school while also managing everyday expenses can be challenging. I work while attending school, but the cost of tuition, books, tools, supplies, transportation, and other school-related expenses can add up quickly. Because Electrical Technology is a hands-on program, having the proper tools and materials is especially important to my education and future career. I want to be able to focus on learning and gaining the skills I need rather than constantly worrying about how I will afford the costs associated with school. Receiving this scholarship would greatly reduce the financial pressure of pursuing my degree. It would help me pay for educational expenses and allow me to continue working toward my goals without taking on as much financial stress. More importantly, it would be an investment in my future and in the career I am working hard to build. I am proud of how far I have come since earning my GED, and maintaining a 4.0 GPA has shown me that I am capable of achieving more than I once believed. I am determined to finish my education, build a successful career, become financially independent, and create a better future for myself. This scholarship would help me take another important step toward accomplishing those goals.
Bick Vocational/Trade School Scholarship
I chose Electrical Technology because I have always been drawn to how things work and how skilled people can solve real problems with their hands and their minds. What inspired me most was realizing that electricians do more than wire buildings—they help create safe, reliable spaces where people live, work, and learn. I wanted a career where I could build something meaningful, use my problem-solving skills, and know that my work makes a difference every day. Pursuing this path has not always been easy. One of my biggest challenges has been balancing school, finances, and the pressure of proving myself in a field where women are still underrepresented. There have been moments when I felt like I had to work twice as hard just to be taken seriously. Instead of letting that discourage me, I used it as motivation. I stayed focused on my classes, asked questions when I needed help, and kept pushing myself to improve. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA has taken discipline and sacrifice, but it has also shown me that I am capable of succeeding in this field. My passion for electrical work comes from the combination of hands-on learning and critical thinking it requires. I enjoy the challenge of understanding systems, troubleshooting problems, and finding solutions that are both practical and safe. Skilled work matters because it keeps our communities running. Electricians, plumbers, welders, mechanics, and other tradespeople are essential to everyday life, and their work deserves respect. These careers offer stability, opportunity, and the chance to build a future through hard work and dedication. My goal is to become a successful electrician and continue growing in the industry. I want to be known for my strong work ethic, integrity, and quality workmanship. I also hope to encourage other young women to consider careers in the trades by showing that this path is not only possible, but rewarding. This scholarship would help me continue my education by easing the financial burden of tuition, books, and tools. It would allow me to focus more fully on learning and preparing for my future instead of worrying as much about expenses. I am proud of the journey I am on, and I am committed to making the most of every opportunity to build a meaningful career in Electrical Technology.
Brattican Scholarship
Winner
Education has always represented opportunity to me. It is the foundation for building a stable future, achieving personal goals, and making a meaningful contribution to my community. As a student pursuing a degree in Electrical Technology with an expected graduation date of May 2027, I have dedicated myself to academic excellence and professional growth. Through hard work, determination, and discipline, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, a reflection of my commitment to succeeding in both the classroom and the skilled trades. Choosing Electrical Technology was driven by my passion for problem-solving and my desire to build a career where I can make a tangible impact. I enjoy learning how electrical systems work, overcoming technical challenges, and developing hands-on skills that will serve me throughout my career. I also recognize that women remain underrepresented in the electrical industry. Rather than seeing that as an obstacle, I see it as motivation to excel and demonstrate that dedication, knowledge, and perseverance are what define success. While I take great pride in my academic achievements, earning a college education comes with financial challenges. Between tuition, textbooks, tools, and other educational expenses, the cost of pursuing my goals can be overwhelming. Receiving this scholarship would provide meaningful financial support, allowing me to focus more of my time and energy on my education and professional development instead of worrying about how to cover the costs associated with my program. My long-term goal is to build a successful career as an electrician while continuing to learn and grow within the industry. I want to become someone who is respected for quality workmanship, integrity, and a strong work ethic. I also hope to encourage other young women to consider careers in the skilled trades by showing that success is possible with determination and commitment. Representation matters, and I want to help create a future where more women feel confident pursuing careers in fields that have traditionally been male dominated. Receiving this scholarship would be more than financial assistance—it would be an investment in a student who is determined to make the most of every opportunity. I am committed to maintaining my academic excellence, graduating in May 2027, and using the knowledge and skills I gain to build a rewarding career. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students who are working hard to achieve their goals. I am honored to be considered for this scholarship and look forward to making a positive impact in the electrical industry and my community.
Haley Hilke Student Profile | Bold.org