Grants and Scholarships for Trade Schools: A Comprehensive Guide
For those considering trade school, good news! Scholarships aren’t just for students going to a university or college. There are thousands of resources out there that can help pay for all kinds of trade programs. Scholarships aren’t just for lawyers, doctors and accountants anymore. In fact, they really haven't been for quite some time. You might be surprised to learn just how many scholarships are available to students who plan to pursue careers more in the "vocational" areas. This article provides a detailed overview of grants and scholarships available to students pursuing trade and vocational education.
Introduction
Many believe scholarships are only for college students; this is a myth. A form of financial aid, trade school scholarships can reduce, or even eliminate, your out-of-pocket cost. Trade school scholarships and grants are available for skills-based careers, but you have to know where to look. The word “scholarship” is usually associated with four-year colleges, but this funding is available to students who choose other paths - including the skilled trades and other types of skills-based training. You may be surprised to learn how many trade school scholarships and grants are available. Local businesses and specific industries eager to improve the skills-based talent pipeline have created programs to help students pay for the training they need. Technical school scholarships and grants require the same steps as any kind of financial help: Do your research and apply to as many relevant opportunities as you can. Yes, you can get financial aid for trade school!
How Trade School Scholarships Work
Everyone interested in the trades should know that you can use the money you earn from scholarships to pay for your program just as college and university students can use scholarships to pay for tuition. So, if you were hoping to alleviate the financial burden with some free money-no wrench in those plans! To use a scholarship to help you pay for trade school, you'll need to be enrolled or registered in a qualifying program. Connect with the financial aid specialist at the school you’re attending or planning to attend, and they'll help make sure your money goes to the right place. Trade school scholarships come from a wide range of sources-from the federal government to trade unions to nonprofit organizations. Getting financial aid for trade school starts with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a federal government form that establishes your eligibility for educational assistance like grants, loans and work-study programs. This is a necessary step if you want to apply for scholarships because many providers refer to your FAFSA information when deciding scholarship awards.FAFSA may also lead you to additional funding sources. Another helpful federal resource is Finaid, which spells out the different types of aid - scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs - and provides calculators and advice.
Accreditation and Program Length
Two important factors to keep in mind: Your trade school education will be eligible for federal student aid only if the school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Check the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) and type in the name of the school. If a program from an accredited school lasts longer than 15 weeks, it’s eligible for all forms of federal aid. Trade schools are getting more traction with students as the price tag of a four-year degree balloons. If you can find grants and scholarships, it’s possible you could earn your credential or associate degree in a trade with little or no debt.
Featured Scholarship Programs
Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000. Please note, most scholarship recipients receive $2,500 or less, and only 0.1% of undergraduate students receive $25,000 or more in scholarship funds. Scholarships are one of many sources of funding for college, including savings, current income, and federal and private loans. Many trade school grants and scholarships focus on a specific industry, while a few broad scholarships cover any type of trade education. Here are a few examples of scholarships and grants available:
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mikeroweWORKS Work Ethic Scholarship: Each year, the mikeroweWORKS Foundation looks for the next generation of aspiring workers who will work smart and hard. The Work Ethic Scholarship Program doesn’t focus on test scores, grades, or grammar. It’s about the people who share our values and understand the importance of work ethic, personal responsibility, delayed gratification, and a positive attitude. Apply for a scholarship now until October 31, 2026. You’ll have to: Enroll in an approved program. Sign the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge. Answer 4 questions about the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge. Make a video. Have 2 solid references from a teacher or boss. Verify your school costs. Provide high school or college transcript.
Ford Auto Tech Scholarship: Ford Philanthropy and Ford Dealers have teamed up to welcome the next generation of auto technicians by awarding $5,000 tuition scholarships to students pursuing careers in auto, diesel or, auto/diesel technology. This need-based scholarship is applied to a student’s school tuition account and may be used for all cost of attendance, including tuition, tools, living expenses and transportation.
Citizens Scholarship: Citizens wants to honor the dedication of students and families pursuing higher learning! Enter to win $15,000 towards tuition with one simple form.
College Ave Student Loans Scholarship: Enter to win our College Ave Student Loans scholarship, and you could win $1,000 for school. We’ll choose one lucky winner each month, so be sure to come back each month to enter.
EGIA Foundation HVAC HERO Scholarship: Up to 20 eligible students per year are awarded a $2500 scholarship to put toward tuition costs at an accredited community college, technical/vocational school, or approved technical institute while working to obtain HVAC degree or certificate.
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SkillPointe Foundation $1,000 Scholarship for Technical/Vocational Training: The SkillPointe Foundation is awarding multiple $1,000 scholarships every month for individuals pursuing technical/vocational training in construction, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, transportation and other fields.
The Donohue Family SkillPointe Scholarship: To honor recently retired longtime CEO Tom Donohue and his commitment to workforce development, a total of 50 Donohue Family SkillPointe Scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each will be awarded during 2024 and 2025.
Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut Scholarships: The Community Foundation awards scholarships through funds established by generous individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits to help area students pursue an education and establish rewarding careers.
Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship: The Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship supports students of all ages participating in skills-based training in engineering, technology and advanced manufacturing fields. The program will award up to $5,000 to as many as 150 recipients in select fields of study.
PTDA Foundation Scholarships: The PTDA Foundation is proud to launch the second year of its scholarship program, designed to foster talent and build a stronger future for the power transmission and motion control (PT/MC) industry. Whether you’re a student exploring a career in PT/MC or a dedicated employee advancing your education in the field, we have scholarships to support your journey. These opportunities are tailored to address the growing demand for skilled professionals.
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The Connex Foundation Scholarship: The Connex Foundation Scholarship is available to full - time students who are pursuing a career in the skilled trades, construction and / or facility management industry.
The DEWALT Trades Scholarship: The DEWALT Trades Scholarship is available to students who are currently enrolled in or accepted to a postsecondary school or training program.
The WREA Lineman Scholarship: The WREA Lineman Scholarship is available to aspiring lineworkers. You must be attending or planning to attend an approved regional lineworker program and pursue a career within one of Wyoming's electric cooperative to be considered for this award.
The PENTA Cares Scholarship: The PENTA Cares Scholarship is available to high school seniors and college freshmen who are attending or planning to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas or an accredited university in Arizona or California. You must be majoring in construction management, construction engineering, civil engineering, or a related field to be eligible for this award.
The Shell Associate Scholarship: The Shell Associate Scholarship is available to students pursuing an associate degree in a specific technical and/or craft field of study at one of the institutions specified by Shell.
The Houzz Skilled Trades Residential Construction Scholarship: The Houzz Skilled Trades Residential Construction Scholarship is available to students pursuing trade certification or A.S. degrees through vocational or community college programs.
The Construct Your Future Scholarship: The Construct Your Future Scholarship is available to high school seniors and undergraduate students who are pursuing an education in a heavy equipment - related field.
The NASCLA Scholarship Program: The NASCLA Scholarship Program is open to students pursuing a career in the construction industry. You must be 18 years of age or older to be eligible for this award.
The A&J Duct Cleaning Scholarship: The A&J Duct Cleaning Scholarship is available to students who are at least 21. You must have a GPA of 3.0 or less, a 22 ACT / 1100 SAT score or below (if applicable), have some sort of difficult challenge in your life, and demonstrate financial need to be considered for this award.
The Metallica Scholars Initiative: The Metallica Scholars Initiative is open to students attending one of the 43 partner schools across 33 states. To be considered for this award, you must be enrolled in a career or technical education program.
The Kevin Phillips Scholarship: The Kevin Phillips Scholarship is open to students pursuing a career in RV technician training.
The FCEF Scholarship: The FCEF Scholarship is available to students interested in the flooring installation trade.
The WHVACR Scholarship: The WHVACR Scholarship is available to female students enrolled in a college or trade school program that prepares them to enter the HVACR industry. To be eligible for this award, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
The Nuts and Bolts Foundation Scholarship: The Nuts and Bolts Foundation Scholarship is available to students enrolled in or entering a certificate or degree program that leads to a manufacturing career on a full-time basis. You must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 for trade/tech/community college and 3.0 for college/university to qualify for this award.
The Student Trainee Program: The Student Trainee Program is open to high school juniors, seniors, and full-time community college freshmen and sophomores. You must be at least 16 and have a minimum 2.8 GPA to qualify for this award. Trainees will have the opportunity to gain practical, challenging, and meaningful on-the-job work experience while working for a global leader in innovation, technology, and manufacturing. Opportunities are available primarily in the Peoria, IL area, with limited opportunities throughout the United States.
CECU Pathways to Careers (PTC) Scholarship: CECU has launched the Pathways to Careers (PTC) Scholarship to benefit students pursuing careers in some of the most essential workforce fields.
DEWALT Trades Scholarship from Stanley Black & Decker: These $5,000 scholarships support students pursuing trade school for construction, industrial, motor/power sector, mechanics or technology. Apply online at the Scholarship America Hub, and act fast: Only the first 1,000 applications received by the deadline will be considered.
Electric & Gas Industries Association Foundation Scholarships: The Electric & Gas Industries Association (EGIA) Foundation supports this scholarship for students who want to work in the HVAC industry.
Home Depot Path to Pro Scholarship: These $2,000 scholarships are open to students pursuing a trade school education in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing or construction management.
Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Scholarships: Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs (NBT) is the foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. It offers scholarships for technical schools of up to $3,500 twice a year to students pursuing education toward a career in manufacturing.
Porch Skilled Trade & Technology Scholarship: Home-services software company Porch offers a $2,000 scholarship to students pursuing education related to home services. It includes training offered at trade and technical schools. Apply using the online entry form.
Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) Foundation: Students who are considering enrolling or are currently enrolled in programs related to the power transmission and motion control (PT/MC) industries can apply for a scholarship from the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) Foundation. Students cannot be currently employed in those industries. Acceptable programs include those from trade schools, technical schools, community colleges and universities, but graduate level programs are not eligible. The PTDA Foundation focuses on education, outreach and research initiatives relevant to PT/MC. They plan to award up to five $3,000 scholarships. A second scholarship is available for full-time employees who are enrolled or have recently been accepted as a student at any level at a trade school, technical school, community college or university. Employees must be studying PT/MC-related fields in engineering, technology or business. Up to five $2,500 scholarships will be awarded.
The Rees Scholarship Foundation: This is a series of scholarship programs supporting students who want to work in the HVACR industry.
SkillsUSA Scholarships: SkillsUSA is a student-led partnership between education and industry that offers a long list of scholarships for students who want to learn work-based skills in construction, energy, manufacturing, transportation and many other skills-based industries. Applicants must be SkillsUSA members who plan to enroll in a postsecondary program in the upcoming academic year. For membership, check to see if your school has a chapter or how to start one.
Tech Force Foundation Scholarships and Grants: This is a series of support options for financially disadvantaged high school graduates, career-changing adults and veterans who want to pursue a technical, automotive-related career. The services range from scholarships for tuition to grants covering relocation costs and more.
Additional Scholarship Resources
Addiction Resource Scholarship: This scholarship is an essay contest for full-time students pursuing an associate degree or trade certification. Submit an essay that is no longer than 1,200 words and proposes a creative and feasible approach to raising awareness about addiction on college campuses.
American Legion Auxiliary Non-Traditional Student Scholarship: This annual scholarship is awarded annually in each region to members of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion and a veteran or spouse of a veteran who was honorably discharged. Applicants must be returning to the classroom after their education was interrupted or who are beginning their education later in life. The award can be applied to a technical, trade or professional program or a two- or four-year degree.
AmericanTrucks Student Scholarships: Students, including high school seniors, who are currently enrolled or planning to enroll full-time in a vocational school, technical institute, apprenticeship or two- or four-year program in the traditional building trades an apply for this scholarship, which is awarded twice a year.
American Welding Society (AWS) National Scholarship: Students who are currently enrolled in a technical school, community college or university welding program can apply for a series of scholarships for welding or a related discipline. Some of the scholarships are need-based and others require applicants to be a student member of AWS. In addition, district-level scholarships and grants are available.
Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship: Students currently enrolled or planning to enroll in beauty and wellness programs can apply for this $2,500 scholarship, which is awarded two times a year by the Beauty Schools Directory. The funds can be applied to accredited or state-approved programs in cosmetology, esthetics, massage therapy, barbering, electrology, trichology, hair design, makeup artistry, nail technology, salon management, cosmetology teaching or other relevant programs.
Boom & Bucket's Student Scholarship Program: Boom & Bucket offers a $1,000 scholarship awarded each year to a student pursuing a heavy machinery-themed program. This scholarship is available to currently enrolled students and future students who are planning to enroll in a program within the next 12 months. The program can be at a college or a trade school anywhere in the United States or Canada.
Cancer for College Scholarships: Cancer for College awards more than 100 scholarships each year through this family of scholarships, some with need, geographical or career requirements. Students who have been diagnosed with cancer and either attend or plan to attend an accredited trade school, college or university can apply.
DEED Scholarship and Other Energy-Related Scholarships: The American Public Power Association’s Demonstration of Energy & Efficiency Developments (DEED) scholarship program supports students pursuing lineworker training or other technical education pathways that are in demand for electric utilities. Each applicant must be sponsored by a DEED member utility. The DEED page also lists other energy-related scholarship and career opportunities, including the RMEL Foundation Scholarship.
Flip Foundation Scholarship: Graduating high school seniors planning to attend and students currently enrolled at any accredited trade school, community college or university can apply for this scholarship, which started in north Texas but is now available nationwide. The Flip Foundation provides scholarships for students across the nation who are often overlooked. Financial need, the quality of a student's submitted project and GPA will be considered. (A low GPA will not disqualify a student.)
Shawn Carter Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship, named after the famous musician and producer more commonly known as Jay-Z, is for motivated students of all backgrounds who have encountered hardship, such as pregnancy, poverty, incarceration and homelessness. Students must be younger than 25 and be pursuing their first degree at a two-year, four-year or vocational school.
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Education Foundation scholarships: Students seeking a two-year, four-year or graduate degree in manufacturing, mechanical or industrial engineering, engineering technology, or industrial technology at an accredited college can apply for multiple scholarships.
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