Not every student plans to earn a four-year degree, and many organizations are aware of this and instead offer vocational scholarships as an option for these students. A vocational training program is a higher education program that lasts between a few months and two years. These programs place a great emphasis on teaching technical skills and providing knowledge to complete specific tasks related to a certain career.
Some examples of vocational and trade careers are nursing aides, certified nursing assistants, medical technicians, automotive technicians, dental hygienists, dental assistants, phlebotomists, radiologists, welders, cosmetologists, pharmacy technicians, veterinarian assistants, veterinarian technicians, laboratory assistants, and more. With an increase of individuals choosing to earn an education in a trade or vocational program in the last couple of decades, these individuals need to know that there are scholarships available to them that will provide financial assistance while attending school. The following list provides brief descriptions of 30 of the vocational training scholarships that we found.
1. Rees Scholarship
The Rees Scholarship is offered by the Clifford H. “Ted” Rees, Jr. Scholarship Foundation in hopes of increasing proficiency among future technicians as well as filling the vacant need of skilled HVACR workers. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students who are pursuing an HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) program at an accredited college. This is a year-round scholarship in which chosen recipients will receive $2,000 each toward their college tuition. In addition, a free Ready to Work test will be provided to each recipient.
2. James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship
The James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund has implemented a scholarship program for children or dependents of the Internal Brotherhood of Teamsters, which includes the BMWED, GCC, TCRC, and BLET. Applicants must be high school seniors preparing to enroll in a training/vocational program or a four-year college or university. Recipients planning to enroll at a four-year college may receive $1,000 to $10,000 annually, and recipients planning to enroll in a training/vocational program at a community college or trade school may receive up to $2,000 annually.
3. College JumpStart Scholarship
JumpStart-Scholarships.net established the College JumpStart Scholarship for all students who are interested in obtaining a higher education. Applicants must be high school 10th-12th graders, college students, or non-traditional students. In addition, they must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States and planning to enroll in a two-year, four-year, or vocational/trade school in the United States. Determination of this scholarship is not based on financial need; it is only based on one’s dedication to their education and goals. The grand prize winner will receive $1,000 toward their tuition, which can be used at any college, institution, or university in the United States.
4. Garmin-Jerry Smith Memorial Scholarship
The Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) has provided over $1.5 million in scholarship awards to individuals interested in pursuing careers in aircraft electronics and aviation maintenance, as well as technicians already employed by AEA. The Association launched the Garmin-Jerry Smith Memorial Scholarship for students planning to enroll or already enrolled in an accredited institution to study aircraft maintenance or avionics. The winner of this scholarship will be awarded $1,000 to use toward their annual tuition.
5. The Andrew Piech Memorial Scholarship
Since 2010, the Albuquerque Community Foundation has been offering The Andrew Piech Memorial Scholarship in honor of Andrew Piech, an Eldorado High School graduate who enjoyed working on automobiles. Applicants must be a current or former resident of New Mexico, a high school senior or a new/returning college student, and planning to earn a certificate or degree in an automotive or technical vocational study. Two winners will be chosen annually and may receive up to $2,200 each toward their tuition.
6. The Edith Lawrence and Frances Lawrence Teller Vocational Student Scholarship
The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) in Los Angeles features several scholarships to help students earn a college degree or a certificate in a vocational program. The Edith Lawrence and Frances Lawrence Teller Vocational Student Scholarship is one of the scholarship programs offered by the NCJW for individuals who are pursuing a full-time education in an accredited vocational or trade program, which will result in a certification. The grand prize winner of this scholarship will be awarded $1,000 toward their annual tuition.
7. APWU Vocational Scholarship
The American Postal Workers Union provides a Vocational Scholarship for individuals interested in earning an education from a specialized training program, such as medical or dental assistant, culinary arts, real estate, electrician, cosmetology, auto mechanic, massage therapy, certified IT/computer education, and so much more. To apply for this scholarship, an essay is required. Applicants must be a high school senior planning to enroll in a program that lasts a minimum of nine months and a maximum of three years. The writer of the best essay will receive $2,000 toward their tuition each year.
8. Beauty Changes Lives Scholarship
The Beauty Changes Lives Foundation has given out more than $3.1 million to 600 students interested in pursuing a profession in barbering, makeup, cosmetology, massage, nails, and esthetics. The goal of the Foundation is to promote the idea that beauty changes lives by providing financial assistance, mentoring opportunities, and inspiration to individuals interested in entering the industry of beauty. To apply for one of the scholarships, applicants must be studying cosmetology, esthetics, makeup, nail technology, or a beauty-related field.
9. Career Training Scholarship
Central Scholarship is an organization that provides financial assistance to undergraduate students, graduate students, and career and vocational training students. The Career Training Scholarship is directed toward students who are beginning their career and planning to earn a certificate at a community college or vocational school. Applicants interested in this scholarship must be a resident of Maryland, possess a high school diploma or GED, and earn an income of less than $66,000 annually. The scholarship award amount will be determined based on the financial need of the recipient.
10. Kathy Pace Technology Scholarship
Centre Technologies founded the Kathy Pace Technology Scholarship in honor of Kathy Pace, a strong supporter of the community. The objective of this scholarship is to encourage compassion and dedication among present and future technology professionals. Applicants must live in Texas or Louisiana and be enrolled in a technology program. An 800-word essay submission about a technology-related subject is required. Each year, one winner is selected and will receive $5,000 toward their technology education program.
11. Iowa Automobile Dealers Association Scholarship
The Iowa Automobile Dealers Association gives out scholarships to students pursuing an automotive-related program at a two-year college or four-year college. Applicants must live in the state of Iowa, be in good academic standing, and dedicated to studying a subject related to automobiles. The majority of the winners of this scholarship are pursuing an education at a community college in various programs such as automotive technician, collision repair, diesel training, and more.
12. William P. Elrod Memorial Scholarship
The Technology Student Association (TSA) has been giving out scholarships every year to students who are interested in the field of technology. The William P. Elrod Memorial Scholarship is one of the top scholarships offered by the TSA. This scholarship was established in honor of William P. Elrod, a founding father of the Technology Student Association. Applicants interested in this scholarship must be a member of the Technology Student Association. One winner is chosen and will receive $2,500 toward their annual tuition.
13. Current Postsecondary Students/ACFEF-Registered Apprentices Student Scholarship
The American Culinary Federation Education (ACFEF) Foundation and the American Academy of Chefs sponsors the Current Postsecondary Students/ACFEF-Registered Apprentices Student Scholarship. To receive this scholarship award, students must be in good academic standing, possess at least a 2.5 GPA, attending an accredited college, pursuing a major in culinary or pastry arts (or a registered apprentice of the ACFEF), have completed at least one semester or trimester of college, planning to become a chef or pastry chef. Winners are chosen based on GPA, culinary competition participation, volunteer experience, involvement in the ACF, and responses to the essay questions.
14. AmericanMuscle’s Student Scholarship
AmericanMuscle offers student scholarships for individuals earning an education in the automotive industry. Two scholarship winners are chosen annually and will receive two awards of $2,500 each. One award will be given out in the spring and one in the fall. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors or current college or trade school students. A 700-1500-word essay about your future plans and goals with your automotive higher education is required. Only students in the United States or Canada will be considered.
15. AutoMechanicSchoolEdu.org Scholarship
AutoMechanicSchoolEdu.org developed a scholarship program to help provide financial assistance to individuals studying an auto mechanic subject. One winner is selected every spring and will receive $500. Interested applicants must write an essay of 2,000 to 6,000 characters on what inspired them to pursue a career or degree in the automotive industry. In addition, applicants must possess at least a 3.2 GPA. The awardee will be selected based on the quality of their essay submission, work history, extra-curricular activities, and GPA.
16. Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship
Since 1998, the Automotive After Market Scholarship has been awarded to 3,500 students by the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. This scholarship is for individuals interested in earning a career in the automotive aftermarket. This career consists of supplying and servicing parts for automobile repairs and maintenance. To apply for this scholarship, applicants must be enrolled full-time in a college or post-secondary institution in the United States or Canada or attending an ASE/NATEF certified post-secondary institution for heavy-duty, automotive, or collision repair technicians.
17. Welder Training Scholarship
The American Welding Society developed the Welder Training Scholarship to help individuals earning a certificate in welding. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a welding program that is less than two years at a community college, trade school, or other institution. This scholarship award cannot be used toward an associate or bachelor’s degree. All AWS Districts will select 25 winners for this scholarship, and each winner will receive $1,000 toward their welding program tuition. Five high school seniors will also be chosen for the scholarship award, which they will receive upon graduation.
18. Imagine America Foundation Scholarship
In 1998, the Imagine America Foundation created a scholarship program for high school students interested in pursuing a career-focused college education. Since then, this scholarship has financially assisted thousands of seniors in high school earning a career education. Applicants must be preparing to enroll in one of the 400 career schools in the United States that participate in this scholarship program. All high schools across the United States and Puerto Rico can nominate five seniors to win the Imagine America Foundation Scholarship. The winners will receive $1,000 each toward their tuition.
19. Tool Scholarship
Lake Region State College offers the Tool Scholarship to help students purchase tools for their courses. This is a great scholarship for individuals who need extra assistance with buying their tools and toolboxes for class. Applicants interested in this scholarship must be new students enrolled in their first year of the Automotive Technology program at Lake Region State College. The chosen recipient will receive $1,000 toward their tools and toolbox. Half of the award amount will be provided in the fall, and the other half will be provided in the spring.
20. Ferris Family Scholarship
Mass Bay Community College features several scholarships for new students. One of the college’s automotive scholarships is called the Ferris Family Scholarship, which provides $1,000 annually toward an individual’s automotive tuition. This scholarship was founded by Howard Ferris, the previous Dean of the automotive technology program at Mass Bay Community College. The purpose of implementing this scholarship was to financially help and support students with their tools, tuition, books, and materials for the automotive technology program. Applicants must be a resident of Massachusetts, attending a high school in the Mass Bay area, and planning to enroll full-time or part-time at Mass Bay Community College. A short essay of 100 words is also required for consideration.
21. Work Ethic Scholarship
The Mike Rowe Works Foundation has implemented the Work Ethic Scholarship to formally acknowledge individuals with an excellent work ethic. This scholarship is an award specifically for responsible, diligent individuals who are smart and possess an optimistic attitude. To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must demonstrate an outstanding work ethic by revealing a goal that they have had to work hard to achieve. If you feel like you have an exceptional work ethic, you should consider applying for the Work Ethic Scholarship.
22. Minnesota Masonic Charities Vocational/Technical/Trade Scholarship
Minnesota Masonic Charities sponsors several different scholarships for all types of students. One of the trade school scholarships that this nonprofit organization sponsors is called the Vocational/Technical/Trade Scholarship. To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must have graduated from a high school in the state of Minnesota and plan to enroll in a vocational, technical, or trade degree or course program. Annually, thirty recipients are chosen for this scholarship and will receive $1,500 each for two years ($3,000 altogether).
23. Nebraska State Elks Association Vocational Scholarship Grant
The Vocational Scholarship Grant is provided by the Nebraska State Elks Association in hopes of financially assisting a high school senior with their two-year vocational program. To apply for this scholarship, applicants must be a citizen of the United States, a senior at a high school in the state of Nebraska, and planning to enroll in a vocational study after graduating. The application consists of a 200-word statement, a recommendation letter from a parent or other person, a letter of endorsement from a person other than an educator, transcripts, and test scores.
24. Medallion Fund Scholarship
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation is providing several different scholarship opportunities for a variety of students. One of the tech school scholarships currently being offered by the Foundation is the Medallion Fund Scholarship. This scholarship is for students enrolled in a short-term technical or vocational program, such as plumbing, construction, automotive technology, heating, computer repair, manufacturing, nursing assistant, and so much more. All applicants must be working toward a certification, license, or credential.
25. PHCC Scholarship
The PHCC Educational Foundation is giving out scholarships to students who are interested in earning an education related to the PHCC industry (plumbing, heating, and cooling). This scholarship is open to full-time students as well as apprentices working full-time and part-time for a PHCC member company. Four apprentices per company may use this scholarship toward training costs. The award amount varies and may be between $1,000 to $5,000 annually per individual.
26. Robert Smithwick Vocational Scholarship
The Rotary Club of Palo Alto is sponsoring one of the top scholarships for trade school, the Robert Smithwick Vocational Scholarship. This scholarship was established in remembrance of Dr. Robert Smithwick, the originator of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District. Interested individuals must be enrolling or already enrolled in an accredited vocational or career program at a community college in the counties of San Mateo or Santa Clara. Ten winners will be selected annually and will be awarded various amounts of $500 to $2,000. The amount is based on financial need and whether a student is enrolled part-time or full-time.
27. SEMA Scholarship
SEMA offers funding opportunities for automotive students through its scholarship program. Eligible students can receive up to $5,000 toward their annual tuition. To be considered for the SEMA Scholarship, applicants must be a citizen of the United States, a graduating high school senior or college student, earning an automotive degree or certificate from a college or a technology/career school, possess at least a 2.5 GPA, and have a passion for working on automobiles. A 500-word essay is required to complete the application.
28. Mitchell Ostry Memorial Scholarship
Seven Mile Ridez, Inc. is featuring a scholarship in remembrance of Mitchell Ostry. The Mitchell Ostry Memorial Scholarship provides an award of $500 toward one student’s education each year. Applicants must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Nebraska, pursuing a degree or certificate in an automotive-related field, a college freshman or graduating high school senior, and have a passion for cars or transportation. To apply for this scholarship opportunity, the applicant must write an essay explaining their passion for a career in the automotive field and what they can provide to the automotive industry.
29. Woodworking Manufacturing Scholarship
The Woodworking Machinery Industry Association is currently providing the Woodworking Manufacturing Scholarship to students pursuing an education in woodworking. This scholarship is given to the most talented and academically gifted students interested in a wood-related field. Applicants must be a current or prospective college student, enrolled or planning to enroll in a wood technology or wood science program, and already have or about to graduate from high school. In addition, the applicant must provide a letter of at least one page explaining their future goals and why they deserve the Woodworking Manufacturing Scholarship.
30. NSRA Higher Education Scholarship
Annually, the National Shoe Retailers Association (NSRA) offers the NSRA Higher Education Scholarship to help support college students pursuing higher education. Only retail members of the NSRA and their children, grandchildren, and store employees are eligible to apply. These members must have worked at least two years (over 1,000 hours) in the industry of footwear. Applicants must be currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a two-year or four-year program at a university, college, or vocational school. Winners of this award will receive $3,000 per year, which means they can receive between $6,000 to $12,000 altogether depending on how long their chosen program is.
As you can see, there are many vocational training scholarships for individuals seeking to earn career-related and technical skills. Although vocational and trade programs typically take less time to complete and are less expensive than four-year degrees, they still can be quite costly. Therefore, it is important to do your research and find scholarships that will help pay for your tuition. The majority of the scholarships mentioned above are offered every year, so it is suggested to apply multiple times to as many vocational scholarships that you may need until your program is complete.
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