Scholarships for Students Pursuing Career and Trade Education

Nontraditional students often require additional financial assistance to pursue postsecondary education, yet the majority of scholarships and grants are tailored for recent high school graduates attending a four-year college. This presents a challenge for first-generation students and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, which could cause them to give up on their career goals. To aid these students in finding the financial support they need, here are a few scholarships and resources specifically designed for those pursuing private career education.

CECU is continuing to add to the list as new scholarship become available. If you know of a scholarship we should include email us at [email protected].

Mike Rowe Works Foundation

As one of the top advocates of skilled training, Mike Rowe, CEO of the Mike Rowe Works Foundation, launched the Work Ethic Scholarship Program for students enrolling in trade and vocational programs. In their tenth year, the Foundation awarded another 1 million in scholarships.

Who can apply?

Enroll in an approved program:
Sign the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge.
Answer four questions about the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge.
Make a video.
Have two solid references from a teacher or boss.
Verify your school costs.
Provide high school or college transcript.
Send your most recent 1040 tax form.

How to apply?
Applicants should visit https://mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/ for information on how to apply.

When to apply?
The next scholarship cycle begins in 2025. Typically, the scholarship program opens in February and runs until April.

More information

Angi’s Trade Up Scholarship Program

Angi specializes in maintenance, repair, and renovation services and has launched a scholarship program to highlight the benefits of skilled trades and help bridge the labor gap. They are awarding four $2,500 scholarships.

Who can apply?

Eligible students who are planning to attend a community college, technical institute, or university during the 2024-2025 academic year to study anything from construction management, plumbing, or carpentry to landscape architecture or interior design.

Applicants must be:

A U.S. resident
18 years or older
Accepted to a college, technical institute, or university
Studying residential design, construction, or maintenance

How to apply?
For more information applicants should visit https://www.angi.com/articles/tradeup-scholarship.htm for information on how to apply.

When to apply?
Applicants will need to write a 1,000 to 2,000 word essay, which must be submitted by the deadline of August 23, 2024 (11:59 p.m. ET).

More information

Beauty Changes Lives

The Beauty Changes Lives Organization is committed to supporting the next generation of beauty and wellness professionals. Since its inception, the foundation has raised over $7.5 million and changed the lives of more than 1,500 beauty and wellness professionals through scholarships and resources.

Who can apply?
There are many scholarships available on the Beauty Changes Lives website. Students should apply for a scholarship that directly relates to the program they are enrolled in and in which they meet the requirements. Additionally, students may apply for any scholarship for which they meet the criteria; however, they may only be awarded one scholarship.

How to apply?

Visit the scholarship portal here: https://beautychangeslives.submittable.com/submit
Create an account.
Select the Beauty Changes Lives application you want to begin, and start the application.
Once an applicant has submitted an application, they can check the status of their submission by logging in to their account.

When to apply?
The scholarship application calendar typically follows a winter, spring, summer and fall cycle.

More information

TechForce Foundation

The TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit supporting students in their technical education, connecting them to scholarships, training, events, and jobs. TechForce Foundation has awarded over 18 million in scholarships and grants since 2007 to financially disadvantaged students to obtain their technical education.

Who can apply?

Be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident or approved DACA status.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Be an enrolled future student — or — an active, current student in good standing at a postsecondary, accredited educational institution offering a vehicle technician curriculum.
Must demonstrate financial hardship by having a completed and approved FAFSA on record at campus (or other financial-need-based evidence, if using DACA status) available for review by the Foundation.
Applicants must also meet any requirements posted for specific scholarships or grants offered by the Foundation (such as minimum GPA, start date, school program, etc.).

How to apply?
Create a profile on the TechForce Network and click on Scholarships.

When to apply?
TechForce has new opportunities opening continuously. Students can log in to their profile for more information on the available scholarships and grants.

More information

Futuro Health

Futuro Health is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the health and wealth of communities by growing the largest network of allied healthcare workers in the nation. In 2023, they committed $13.3 million in scholarships to support Futuro Health Scholars. Working with a network of education providers and employers, they are growing talent for employers and connecting workers to opportunities.

Who can apply?
Applicants interested in obtaining a healthcare credential can search for program offerings here: https://futurohealth.org/program-and-course-catalog/

How to apply?

After choosing a program applicants should apply by creating a Futuro Health profile on the program page.
Once an applicant has completed all the required assessments and surveys, the application will be reviewed by the Futuro Health team.
Applicants will receive an email from Futuro Health within 24 hours after the successful completion of the application.

When to apply?
Applicants can apply anytime, there are no deadlines.

For education providers interested in partnering with Futuro Health visit: https://futurohealth.org/about/our-partners/.

More information

SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a workforce development organization for students. They empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA offers several scholarships in different categories.

Who can apply?

Be a registered and active SkillsUSA members.
Submit an accurate and complete application that may include a letter of recommendation, essay, and/or resume.
Meet scholarship-specific criteria.
Plan on enrolling in a college/postsecondary program in the 2024-25 academic year, or if the student is a high school junior or younger, the academic term after high school graduation.

How to apply?
Each scholarship has its own application deadline and is listed on the scholarship page here: scholarships.skillsusa.org

When to apply?
The 2024 scholarship season began January 2, 2024, and deadlines depend on each individual scholarship.

More information

Bring Back the Trades Inc.

Bring Back the Trades Inc. is a nonprofit organization helping to fund scholarships for trade school students. Their mission is to equip postsecondary students who want to acquire the knowledge of a professional trade through a U.S.-based trade schools with scholarships.

Who can apply?
Bring Back the Trades Inc. awards monthly scholarships during the school calendar year to students from across the United States who are attending postsecondary education in the skilled trades.

How to apply?

Applicants can apply at https://bringbackthetrades.org/scholarship-application.
Write an essay or share a short video explaining why you deserve the scholarship. Essays should be submitted via the form, videos may be emailed to [email protected].

When to apply?
Applicants can apply anytime, there are no deadlines.

More information

Additional Scholarships

Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship
The BeautySchoolsDirectory.com team offers a $2,500 scholarship for students and professionals changing others’ lives through wellness and beauty.

View more information here: https://www.beautyschoolsdirectory.com/cosmetology-school-scholarships

TMC's Technician & Educator Committee
TEC has partnered with various schools and organizations to provide several technician scholarships to postsecondary programs for commercial vehicle, diesel, and/or automotive training.

View more information here: https://tmc.trucking.org/scholarships

Other Resources

Students should always check with their school and ask if there are any available scholarships or grants.
Many industry associations, such as the American Welding Society, Electric & Gas Industries Association, and National Independent Automobile Dealers Association Foundation, offer scholarships.
Additionally, employers such as Home Depot or Lowe’s have scholarship programs.