Just as there are multiple paths after
high school graduation, there are a variety of scholarships to meet the needs of paying for these different options. In plain terms, not every scholarship is for a four-year college degree.
Home Depot Path to Pro Scholarship
The Home Depot Path to Pro Scholarship is just one of many trade school scholarships available to students. While the amount does not compare to a full-ride scholarship, it will go a long way toward helping students pursue their education as trade and vocational educations are generally less expensive.
Deadline: 12/31/24
Available To: Trade or Vocational School Students
Amount: $2,000
The Home Depot Foundation's Path to Pro Scholarship is available to students who will enroll in an approved trade - related program at an accredited two - year technical / vocational school or college in the U.S. To be considered for this award, your focus must be on carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or construction management.
Path to Pro Programs
The Home Depot Scholarship is just one component of The Home Depot and The Home Depot Foundation’s commitment to trade and vocational education. With their partners, they have helped to train more than 41,000 participants and introduced more than 210,000 individuals to skilled trades.
In addition to the scholarship, the
Path to Pro organization provides geo-targeted online resources and entry-level certificates to advance individuals in their training as well as a networking platform to help participants find jobs and mentors/mentoring opportunities.
If you’re interested in this type of educational advancement, visit
PathtoPro.com.
Trade School Costs and Demand for Jobs
The cost of attending a trade school is much less expensive than a four-year college degree. With the help of
trade school scholarships, students can greatly reduce – or even eliminate – the cost of attendance.
Trade, or vocational, schools enable students to learn how to do a specific job, whereas a college degree requires students to take many general courses in addition to classes that would help them specialize in a specific field. Because trade schools don’t require
general education courses, the time to complete a trade degree or certificate is much less.
Trade school students can find programs that vary in length, from months-long certifications to two-year degrees. Some trades even provide on-the-job training.
The need for trade workers is high.
According to NPR, 90% of construction companies nationwide are having trouble finding qualified workers. And in 2021, President Biden signed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan that will create 1.5 million construction jobs over the next 10 years.
More Trade School Scholarships
If you’re considering learning a trade or going to trade school after high school, then it’s time to start applying to scholarships that will help you finance your path.
Deadline: 4/17/24
Award Amount: Varies
The Work Ethic Scholarship Program is open to students pursuing training for a career in a trade field. You must sign the
S.W.E.A.T. pledge, answer four short questions related to the pledge, make a short, 60-second video, and submit two references in order to be considered for this award.
Deadline: 4/30/24
Available to: Undergraduate Students
Award Amount: Varies
The Maine Manufacturers Career and Training Foundation Scholarship is available to students who have a sincere desire to further their education in precision machining technology, manufacturing technology, welding, or engineering. You must reside and attend school in Maine to be eligible for this award.
Deadline: Varies
Available to: College Freshmen through College Seniors
Award Amount: $2,500
The Nuts and Bolts Foundation Scholarship is available to students enrolled in or entering a certificate or degree program which 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 be eligible for this award.
Deadline: Varies
Available to: College Freshmen & Sophomores
Award Amount: $1,000
The SkillPointe Quarterly Scholarship is available to students who are at least 17 years of age. You must be pursuing technical / vocational training in construction, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, transportation, or a related field to be eligible for this award.
