Skilled Trades Scholarships

U.S. citizens ages 17 to 25 who are transition-aged or aging-out foster youth with proof of foster care experience, a high school diploma or GED, and plans to attend an accredited vocational, trade, or two-year college program in a high-demand trade field may apply. Foster Love and AVB BrandSource select ten scholars per cycle for awards of up to $10,000 over up to two years, plus career coaching and personal development support. Submit the application with proof of foster care, acceptance into an accredited program, a personal statement, and two recommendation letters. Applications close once all slots are filled.

U.S. or Canadian citizens or permanent legal residents pursuing skilled trades such as electrical, plumbing, welding, or HVAC, construction, or multi-site facility management may apply for Connex Foundation scholarships of up to $5,000. Applicants need a minimum 2.5 unweighted GPA, plans for full-time enrollment, demonstrated community service or work experience, and a submission video. Awards vary in number each year. The Connex Foundation promotes careers in skilled trades and the multi-site facilities industry.

Students pursuing postsecondary education in a construction-related field, or surviving children or spouses of construction workers who died in a work-related construction accident, may apply to the Construction Angels Scholarship Fund. Applicants must attend or plan to attend an eligible institution that requires a high school diploma or GED, such as an accredited four-year or two-year college, vocational-technical school, or construction training program. Scholarship amounts vary with fundraising. Funds may cover tuition, textbooks, materials, fees, and room and board. Recipients may reapply in later years if still eligible. About 50 awards are listed as available. Complete the application with required documentation and submit electronically or by mail postmarked by July 3. Construction Angels is a nonprofit that also provides emergency aid and grief counseling to families after construction workplace fatalities.

High school seniors or graduates and current postsecondary undergraduates who are U.S. or Canadian citizens planning full-time study at an accredited two-year college or vocational-technical school in construction, industrial, motor/power, mechanics, or technology fields may apply for the DEWALT Trades Scholarship. Up to 40 one-time awards of up to $5,000 each are paid directly to the recipient's school. Selection considers a trade essay, leadership, work experience, career goals, academic record, and personal circumstances. Applications open November 4 and close February 28. Stanley Black & Decker established the scholarship to support students pursuing trade degrees aligned with its industry goals.

Georgia residents enrolled in ABET-accredited engineering or engineering technology programs, or ACCE-accredited construction management, may apply. Scholarships support freshmen, upperclassmen, and graduate students preparing for engineering careers. Individual awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with up to 60 scholarships granted annually. Selection weighs academics, engineering interest, financial need, and involvement. Complete the online application with a photo, transcript, SAT or ACT scores if needed, and three references for incoming freshmen.

U.S. citizens or student-visa holders who are high school graduates or GED recipients with a 3.0 GPA may apply when the Blue Collar Brain scholarship program is open. Applicants must enroll full time in a vocational or technical school or two-year college for a skilled trade such as automotive, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or welding. One $2,500 scholarship is paid directly to the winner's accredited school. Proof of enrollment is required.

Students currently enrolled at an accredited two- or four-year college or university pursuing manufacturing, engineering, or a related field may apply for the annual CNC Machines Manufacturing and Engineering Scholarship. One $2,500 award is granted each year to help offset education costs in manufacturing and engineering fields. Apply through the CNC Machines scholarship page during the open application period. The program renews annually for students earning degrees in eligible technical fields.

Full-time undergraduate students in a construction-related degree program at a U.S. college or university may apply for the Eleanor K. Buckley Memorial Scholarship through the NAWIC Philadelphia Foundation and NFSF. Applicants must be in their first, second, or third year with at least one term remaining. High school seniors and graduate students are not eligible. Awards range up to $2,500. Eligible majors include construction, construction management, architecture, civil, mechanical, electrical, or structural engineering.

High school students enrolled in public or private secondary schools in eligible Coastal Virginia cities and counties (including Chesapeake, Hampton, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and listed surrounding counties) may enter the CVBIA Young Designers' Scholarship Competition, a CAD-based house design contest open to all high school grade levels and aimed at students interested in drafting, architecture, or home building. Four awards are offered by placement, with first place at $1,500 (second $1,200, third $800, and honorable mention $500). Awards are paid in two installments to the winner's post-secondary institution. Students submit a house design entry through the Coastal Virginia Building Industry Association Scholarship Foundation's annual competition.

U.S. high school and undergraduate students pursuing education in heavy equipment-related fields may apply. Eligible areas include heavy equipment operation, civil engineering, construction technology, industrial technology, project management, construction management, and automotive technology. One recipient receives $1,000, paid directly to the recipient's educational institution. Submit either a 500-word-or-longer essay or a 2-minute video detailing who you are and your career goals. The winner is announced June 1.