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.

Pathways to Careers Scholarship

CECU has launched the Pathways to Careers (PTC) Scholarship to benefit students pursuing careers in some of the most essential workforce fields. These scholarships will expand opportunities for students enrolled at participating campuses that are uniquely qualified to train students in these high-demand fields.
 
Application Timeline: January 1 - March 31
 
Eligibility requirements:

• Be 18+ with a High School diploma or GED
• Be enrolled or accepted at a participating institution
• Demonstrate a commitment to supporting workforce readiness in their community or demonstrate a financial need to support their career advancement

How to apply:

Students must submit a complete application form, which includes:

• Personal statement video
• Letter of recommendation from an employer, school administrator, or teacher
• Enrollment verification at a participating campus

To learn more about the Pathways to Careers Scholarship and to make contributions to either an Annual or Legacy Scholarship, visit our website.

Scholarships With Upcoming Deadlines

Women in HVACR Scholarship Program

The opportunities for women in HVACR professions continues to grow. With over one-third of the population in the US retiring in five years, current industry estimates project a need for 86,000 employees over the next five years. One of WHVACR goals is to help the industry fill this demand now and going forward with deserving and qualified candidates. In 2026, Women in HVACR is delighted to increase the scholarship award amount to six $ 5,000.00 scholarships.

Application Timeline: Any application received before June 1st will be eligible for our 2026 scholarships. Any applications received afterwards will be entered for the following year. Winners are announced sometime between July & August of every year.

Eligibility requirements:
Scholarship A) - Technical College or Trade School

• Open to females currently enrolled in a college or trade school preparing them to enter into the HVACR industry.
• GPA of 3.0 or greater

Scholarship B) - Bachelor's Degree Program at Four Year College

• Open to females currently enrolled in a college or trade school preparing them to enter into the HVACR industry through a relating degree in a 4 year college.
• GPA of 3.0 or greater.

How to Apply
Complete Application and submit an essay. Minimum of 500 words answering questions below.

1. What motivated you to seek a career in the HVACR industry?
2. Discuss your long term professional goals relevant to the profession.
3. Describe how a career in HVACR will provide a positive impact to your professional goals and career path.
4. Explain the importance of (your major) in today’s society, and for the future.
5. What do you feel are the most important issues facing your field today?

Metal Supermarkets Trade School Scholarship

The Metal Supermarkets Trade School Scholarship awards $2,500 to students pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Open to individuals enrolled in or accepted to a postsecondary trade school in the United States or Canada, the program supports those preparing for hands-on careers in fields like welding, manufacturing, and construction.

• Students accepted to and attending a post-secondary trade school program with a semester beginning in 2026.
• Open to citizens, permanent residents and resident aliens legally residing in the USA or Canada with a High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Scholarship funds are payable to the winner’s certified trade school in the United States or Canada.
• The winner must enroll or already be enrolled in the upcoming semester.
• Employees of Metal Supermarkets Franchising Family of Companies, its franchisees, franchisee staff, or their family members may not enter. 

Applicants should be prepared to submit:

• Current transcript(s).
• Up to three letters of recommendation (e.g., former or current employer from industry, school or college instructor, personal reference).
• A resume including industry/work and community experience.
• Certificate showing enrollment or program acceptance at a certified trade school.
• Optional: Pictures, if applicable and available, of any related work you have completed that exhibits your skill in your chosen trade.
• A photo (used for media/marketing purposes only) to be submitted after the award.

Little Home Builder - The Caleb Sabados Memorial Scholarship

In memory of Caleb Sabados, a young man who was proudly beginning his career as an apprentice electrician when he tragically passed away, Little Home Builder has established the Caleb Sabados Memorial Scholarship. This $2,500 scholarship is open to high school graduates and college students who are passionate about pursuing a career in the skilled trades, including but not limited to electricians, mechanics, carpenters, contractors, and other hands-on professions.

Application Deadline: July 1, 2026

Eligibility requirements:

• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• High school graduate (by July 2025) or current college student
• Currently attending or accepted into a trade school or an undergraduate skilled trades program

How to Apply:
All scholarship applications must be submitted through the form here. Applicants are asked to submit a short video essay (2–3 minutes) reflecting on:

• Why they are excited to pursue a skilled trade career
• How they plan to shape the future of their industry
• How they see themselves keeping human-centered trades strong and relevant
• Video submissions should be uploaded to YouTube (as a public or unlisted link) and submitted through our online application form.

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.

Application Deadline: October 31, 2026.

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.

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.

When to apply?
The 2026 scholarship season is open. Deadlines depend on each individual scholarship.

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 

Rolling Deadlines

Scholarship America

Scholarship America is dedicated to removing financial barriers through hundreds of scholarship opportunities designed to help students pursue their dreams. Explore Scholarship America’s currently open scholarships, see what’s coming up, and start the application process with the click of a button.
 
Current scholarships designated for 2-year degree pathways

• The NextEra Energy Scholarship Awards - Scholarship America
• Cleaveland/Price Inc. Scholarship - Scholarship America
• Fluidmaster PHCC Scholarship Program - Scholarship America

Browse all Scholarships here.

The Home Depot Foundation Path to Pro Scholarship

The Home Depot Foundation’s Path to Pro Scholarship provides $2,500 awards to students pursuing careers in construction and the skilled trades. This program supports individuals enrolled in trade schools or postsecondary programs as they prepare for high-demand, hands-on careers in the construction industry.

Application Timeline: Last day of June, September and December.

Eligibility requirements:

• Be a high school senior, high school graduate or have a GED equivalent.
• Plan to enroll or be enrolled within 1 year, in an approved trade-related program at an accredited two-year school or institution (i.e. technical/vocational school, community college or training center) in the United States.
• Not be an employee or dependent of an employee of the The Home Depot. Employees of The Home Depot and their dependents are eligible to apply for a scholarship from The Homer Fund. 
• Programs/Career Paths: Carpentry, Construction Management, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing.

How to Apply

• Eligible applicants should visit the website here.

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Career & Technical Education (CTE) Scholarship 

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation was established to honor the service and sacrifice of Marines and their families. As our Nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation helps cover the cost of attending post-high school, undergraduate, and career and technical education programs. 

When to apply?
Application available all year and processed monthly.

Who can apply?
The Career & Technical Education (CTE) Scholarship is available to students planning to attend a non-degree certificate program or vocational training of any length at a school listed on http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator.

Child or step-child of one of the following:

• Active duty, Reserve, or veteran* U.S. Marine
• A Marine killed while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps
• Active duty, reserve, or veteran U.S. Navy Corpsman, Navy Chaplain or Religious Program Specialist who is or was attached to a U.S. Marine Corps unit or who was killed while serving with a U.S. Marine Corps unit*
• Minimum 2.00 GPA
• Demonstrate financial need through a family adjusted gross income of $123,000 or less for the 2023 tax year
• Attending or planning to attend an accredited school that is eligible for federal funding
• Submit a completed application with all required documents by the deadline

* Veterans must have received an honorable discharge.

How to apply?
For Non-Degree Certificate programs of any length start the application at https://mcsf.scholarshipapps.org/cte/newapplicants.cfm 

For more information visit: https://mcsf.scholarshipapps.org/faq.cfm 

Beauty Changes Lives

The Beauty Changes Lives cosmetology scholarship program offers a variety of financial awards to support students pursuing careers in cosmetology and the professional beauty industry. These scholarships help cover tuition costs for individuals who are newly accepted or currently enrolled in accredited beauty programs, with many opportunities also providing mentorship and career development support. Award amounts vary by program, with multiple scholarships available throughout the year for aspiring beauty professionals.

Scholarship Applications are accepted in 4 seasons each year:

• Spring: March 1 – April 30
• Summer: June 1 – July 31
• Fall: September 1 – October 31
• Winter: December 1 – January 31

Eligibility requirements:
Eligibility typically requires students to be accepted to or enrolled in an accredited cosmetology program, submit proof of enrollment, and complete an application (often including a video or essay). Some scholarships may include additional criteria such as age requirements, financial need, or demographic eligibility.

Applying for a Scholarship or Program
Awarding over $500,000 in scholarships each year, there is a resource for every future beauty professional. View all open opportunities and start your application journey today here.

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.

TechForce Foundation

TechForce Foundation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit (charity) 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 students with financial need, to help them 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 taking a qualified career tech degree or certification program at a postsecondary, accredited educational institution.
• Must demonstrate financial need by having a completed and approved FAFSA on file 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, click on Scholarships.

When to apply?
TechForce has new opportunities opening continuously and is open for application year-round. 

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/.

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.