Scholarships for Trade Schools

Many people think that only “traditional” college students can qualify for scholarships, but that’s far from the truth! Below is just a small list of scholarships available for students pursuing a career in the trades. It’s by no means comprehensive, and we didn’t include regional or local options, either. When you decide where you’re taking classes — whether it’s a trade school, community college, or online program — check your area and the organization, too!

Table of Contents

• General
• Automotive
• Beauty and Cosmetology
• Construction
• Culinary
• Dental
• Energy
• HVAC
• Manufacturing
• Plumbing
• Welding

General

The 1st Financial Bank Financial Goals Scholarship
Amount: $2,000 awarded to one winner each month
To enter, you must be at least 18 and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and currently enrolled in or planning to enroll in a 2- or 4-year college. Apply by completing an entry form and describing a personal goal.
Application deadline: Runs through December 31, 2026
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American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Vocational Scholarship
Amount: Up to $3,000
Available to high school seniors, this scholarship can be used for programs lasting nine months to three years in fields including the culinary arts, medical/dental assistant, electrician, real estate, auto mechanic, certified IT/computer education, cosmetology, and massage therapy.
Application deadline: May 31
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Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon (APAO) Scholarship
Amount: Up to $3,500
For undergraduate or graduate students attending college in Oregon. Students must be pursuing a degree in a field related to asphalt technology, like construction engineering, construction management, or a construction trade program.
Application deadline: November 1
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AWS Foundation National Scholarships
Amount: Range between $2,500 to over $10,000
The organization offers more than 130 donor-funded scholarships. Students must be pursuing a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in welding or a related discipline. Some scholarships are merit-based, and others are need-based.
Application deadline: March 1
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Blue Collar Brain Trade School Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Students must be U.S. citizens or hold a student visa, have a high school diploma or GED, and be enrolled in or planning to attend a vocational/technical school or a 2-year college for a skilled trade program.
Application deadline:  April 30
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Chime Scholarships
Amount: Up to $20,000
These scholarships are designed to support individuals from nontraditional backgrounds, including single parents and mid-career professionals, in pursuing higher education. Scholarships can be used for various educational paths, including traditional college, apprenticeships, trade schools, and technical certifications.
Application deadline:  Applications for the 2026-27 year open in early 2026
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Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Scholarship
Amount: Varies
The EAA offers flight training scholarships to flight schools and post-secondary scholarships to students attending aviation-focused institutions. It also offers Air Academy Camperships and a Ray Aviation Foundation Scholarship for youth flight training.
Application deadline: December 19
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Floor Covering Education Foundation (FCEF) Floor Your Future Scholarship
Amount: Amount varies
FECF offers scholarships to help people pay for training in floor installation. To qualify, applicants must be new to the flooring installation industry (less than one year of experience as an installation helper) and reside in the U.S. or Canada.
Application deadline: See website
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Home Depot Foundation’s Path to Pro Scholarship
Amount: Up to $2,500
This scholarship supports people pursuing training in construction-related fields (carpentry, construction management, electrical, HVAC, plumbing) that do not require a four-year degree. Applicants must be a high school senior, graduate, or have a GED equivalent, planning to enroll (or already enrolled) in a trade-related program.
Application deadline: Applications are accepted and recipients selected quarterly. Deadlines are the last day of March, June, September, and December.
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“Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
This scholarship is open to all postsecondary students, including those in college, technical/vocational programs, certificate programs, and graduate school.
Application deadline: June 30, 2026
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Horatio Alger Career & Technical Education (CTE) Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Students planning to attend a nonprofit community college or trade/vocational school can apply for this award. The program includes several different CTE scholarships.
Application deadline: See website
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IMA Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $1,500 to $10,000
Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in facility management or related programs can apply for these scholarships.
Application deadline: See website
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The Kevin Phillips Scholarship
Amount: Amount varies
This scholarship was established to honor Kevin Phillips, a leader in the RV industry who was a strong advocate for vocational training. The scholarship provides funding to cover the cost of an individual subscription for RV technician training at the RV Technical Institute.
Application deadline: See website
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Metallica Scholars
Amount: See website for participating schools
This workforce education program provides direct support to community colleges to enhance career and technical education. It has expanded from supporting 1,000 students in 2019 to approximately 10,000 students in 2025, and includes 25 community colleges in the U.S., plus Guam.
Application deadline: See website for participating schools
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Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation Scholarships
Amount: Varies, although $2.5 million was awarded in 2025
This program supports people pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Applicants must be a high school senior, graduate, or have a GED and be enrolled (or planning to enroll) in an approved trade program at a two-year college or vocational/technical school in the U.S.
Application deadline: See website
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National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) Scholarship Program
Amount: Up to $5,000
This program helps students pursue licenses, certificates, and certifications in the construction industry.
Application deadline: See website
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National Propane Gas Association Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 and $2,000
Scholarships may be used for any course of study at a two- or four-year college, technical, trade, or vocational schools. Applicants must be children of employees of NPGA member companies, state propane associations, or the PERC.
Application deadline: February 15, 2026
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New Jersey Governor’s Industry Vocations Scholarship for Women & Minorities
Amount: Up to $2,000 annually
Applicants must be women or minorities (BIPOC), have a high school diploma or GED, and have an annual household income below $60,000. They must be NJ residents enrolled (or planning to enroll in) a participating NJ college, vocational/technical school, or trade school.
Application deadline: December 1, 2025 (fall) and June 1, 2026 (spring)
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Niche $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Open to all high school and college students planning to attend college or graduate school in the next year.
Application deadline: July 31
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Nut, Bolts, and Thingamajigs Foundation Scholarships
Amount: $1,500 to $3,500
Students pursuing a manufacturing career and entering a certificate or degree program (12+ credit hours) may apply.
Application deadline: March 31 (for fall) and September 30 (for spring)
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Pride Foundation Scholarships
Amount: Amounts vary
These scholarships are financial resources and community support for LGBTQ+ student leaders in the Northwest (AK, ID, MT, OR, WA). A single application allows students to be considered for over 60 different scholarship funds.
Application deadline: See website
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SkillPointe Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $1,000, awarded quarterly
Students 17+ who are pursuing training for skilled careers that don’t require a four-year degree (construction, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, public service, and transportation) can apply.
Application deadline: The last day of March, June, September, and December
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Society of Vacuum Coaters (SVC) Foundation College Scholarship
Amount: Up to $5,000 (Academic); $2,500 (Industry); varies (Student Travel)
This foundation offers several scholarships, including Academic, Industry, and Student Travel scholarships. The Academic scholarships are open to full-time students attending a technical or vocational school, a two-year college, or an undergraduate/graduate school. Preference is given to students focusing on engineering, physics, or materials science.
Application deadline: October 18, 2025 (Academic); January 23, 2026 (Industry); October 4, 2025 (Student Travel)
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United Transportation Insurance Association (UTIA) Trade Scholarships
Amount: $2,000
The UTIA awards 50 scholarships each year to applicants who are enrolled in or accepted to an accredited trade school for coursework leading to certification in a skilled trade. Applicants must be current UTIA policyholders or the child/grandchild of a policyholder.
Application deadline: March 31
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Uniball’s Skilled Trades Scholarship
Amount: Amount varies
This scholarship was created to honor Dan “Uniball” Lansing, a former welder. The scholarship has a primary focus on welders but also considers applicants pursuing other skilled trades, such as plumbing and electrical work.
Application deadline: See website
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Women Rock Trades Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Female high school, community college, or trade school students enrolled in a skilled trades program. Financial need, academic achievement, community service, and extracurricular activities are considered.
Application deadline: Usually around March 15, but check the website
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$2,000 No Essay Scholarship by Sallie
Amount: $2,000
This scholarship program selects a random winner each month.
Application deadline: March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31
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Automotive

AmericanMuscle Automotive Scholarships
Amount: $2,500
High school seniors or currently enrolled students pursuing an automotive-themed major or related field.
Application deadline: See website
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Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships
Amount: Varies; up to $5,000 depending on the scholarship
Students attending a U.S. college or an ASE/NATEF-certified post-secondary automotive, heavy-duty, or collision repair school can apply.
Application deadline: March 31, 2026
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Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship
Amount: See website
Students interested in an automotive career and enrolled full-time at a trade school, technical training school, college, or university can apply.
Application deadline: June 30
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Piston Fund Scholarship
Amount: Up to $5,000
High school seniors, graduates, GED recipients, and current college undergrads enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited 2- or 4-year U.S. college or vocational-technical school to study automotive technology, motorsports vehicle technology, or automotive restoration.
Application deadline: See website
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Beauty and Cosmetology

Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
For students making a positive impact on others’ lives through beauty and wellness.
Application deadline: Awarded twice annually; check website
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Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation
Amount: At least $3,000
Applicants must be enrolled (or planning to enroll) in a cosmetology or barber program. Students in esthetician or nail training programs are not eligible.
Application deadline: June 1
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Sport Clips Scholarships
Amount: 10 $5,000 scholarships
These 10 scholarships are part of this organization’s initiative to support future professionals — that is, students enrolled in a barber or cosmetology school program.
Application deadline: March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31
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Construction

AmericanTrucks Student Scholarships
Amount: $2,500
Two scholarships are awarded twice a year to students pursuing careers in traditional building trades, such as HVAC, carpentry, and electrical work. High school seniors enrolled in a secondary vocational school, technical institute or full-time students in an accredited technical institute, college, university, or tuition-bearing apprenticeship program may apply.
Application deadline: See website
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Castagra Roofing Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,500 for the winner and $500 for the runner-up
Applicants should be pursuing a career in roofing or a similar field and be passionate about innovation and sustainability.
Application deadline: August 29
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DEWALT Trades Scholarship
Amount: $5,000 (up to 40 awards)
Students pursuing a trade degree or certificate in an industry aligned with Stanley Black & Decker Trade Goals, such as Construction, Industrial, Motor/Power Sector, Mechanics, and Technology, should apply.
Application deadline: See website
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National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Construction Trades Scholarship
Amount: $500 to $2,000
Applicants must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in a construction-related training program approved by the Bureau of Apprenticeship Training, a community college, a technical school, or an equivalent institution.
Application deadline: February 28, 2026
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Professional Women in Building Scholarships
Amount: Amounts vary
These scholarships and grants support individuals in housing-related studies.
Application deadline: See website
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Roofing Alliance Melvin Kruger Scholarship Program
Amount: Amounts vary
This program offers three scholarships for people pursuing a career in the roofing industry, including students planning to attend vocational or technical trade schools or colleges.
Application deadline: See website
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Culinary

American Culinary Foundation Scholarships
Amount: Up to $1,500 for apprenticeship and certificate programs; up to $2,500 for postsecondary degree programs
The ACF, with support from the  American Academy of Chefs (AAC), provides scholarships to culinary students.
Application deadline: April 30 and October 31 each year
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National Restaurant Association Scholarships
Amount: Awards vary, but the foundation awards over $1 million annually
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) awards scholarships to individuals pursuing a post-secondary degree in the restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality industry.
Application deadline: March 15, 2026
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Dental

American Dental Hygienists’ Association
Amount: Up to $5,000 for academic scholarships and $2,500 for graduate-level scholarships; some scholarships, like the HuFriedy Group/Esther Wilkins Instrument Scholarships, award instruments instead of cash.
The ADHA awards scholarships to dental hygiene students enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited dental hygiene program in the U.S. Students entering their first year of an undergraduate program are not eligible.
Application deadline: December 1, 2025
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Dental Assistant Scholarships
Amount: Varies depending on the scholarship, from $250 to $1,000
This organization offers several scholarships for dental assistants and other oral healthcare professionals to help them advance their careers. The scholarships are provided in partnership with other organizations, such as the DALE Foundation and the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA), and offer financial assistance for professional development activities, education, and certification exams.
Application deadline: See website
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Energy

DEED Scholarships
Amount: $2,000 (educational scholarship); other opportunities available - see website
These scholarships are offered by the American Public Power Association to students pursuing a career in the electric utility industry. Open to high school seniors and undergraduate students at a full-time technical/trade school or accredited college/university in the U.S.
Application deadline: February 15 and October 15
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SOLV Energy PowerUp! Renewable Energy Scholarship
Amount: $1,500 (up to six awards annually)
SOLV offers this scholarship program to support students passionate about renewable energy and a sustainable planet.  One scholarship is reserved for an Indigenous high school senior to promote greater representation in the field.
Application deadline: See website
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HVAC

A&J Duct Cleaning Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
This “Second Chance Scholarship” is for individuals who may not have followed a traditional path and are looking for a new opportunity in the trades.
Application deadline: See website
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HVAC Hero Scholarship
Amount: $2,500 awarded to up to 30 students annually
This scholarship program is designed to support students pursuing an education in HVAC technology. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an HVAC technical program at an accredited institution. Preference given to high school seniors and students aged 18-26.
Application deadline: See website
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Women in HVACR Scholarship
Amount: $5,000 (six awarded in 2025)
Female students currently enrolled in a technical college, trade school, or a four-year bachelor's degree program with a relevant major should apply.
Application deadline: See website
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Manufacturing

Fabricators and Manufacturers Association Scholarship
Amount: Up to $2,000 per semester; scholarships awarded twice per year
The FMA, also known as SparkForce, offers scholarships to students pursuing degrees or certifications that lead to manufacturing careers. Applicants must be pursuing a degree or certification in a field related to manufacturing. They must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a program for the semester of application and be a full-time (12+ credit hours) or part-time (6+ credit hours) student if working.
Application deadline: September 30 and March 31
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Precision Metalforming Association Education Scholarships
Amount: $500 to $3,000
PMAEF offers scholarships and tooling awards for individuals pursuing a career in the metalforming industry.
Application deadline: See website
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Plumbing

Fluidmaster Plumbing Scholarship
Amount: $3,500 (up to five awards given)
This program was to help students who plan to enroll full-time in the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino (PHCC-ORSB) four-year Journeyman Plumbing Training Program. Applicants must be high school seniors, graduates, or GED recipients who have completed the PHCC Ride and Decide Program.
Application deadline: See website
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Golden West Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Students with an interest in engineering, home design, home improvements, plumbing, heating, or air conditioning who are planning to attend trade school or college.
Application deadline: November 30
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IWSH Scholarship Essay Contest
Amount: See website
This scholarship event, organized by IWSH, aims to amplify new voices in support of achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The topic for 2026 will be announced in spring 2026. This goal focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for everyone.
Application deadline: Spring 2026
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PHCC Scholarship Program
Amount: Amount varies, but 2025 awards will include 65 scholarships with a total value of $152,000.
The PHCC Scholarship Program, offered by the PHCC Educational Foundation and its industry partners, provides financial assistance to students seeking to pursue a career in the plumbing, heating, and cooling (PHCC) industry. Apprentices in plumbing and HVAC, trade school students, and college students pursuing studies directly related to the trade are eligible to apply.
Application deadline:  May 1, 2026
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Welding

American Welding Society National Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 to $10,000+ depending on the pacific scholarship
National scholarships are for students pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree in welding or a related discipline at an accredited two- or four-year institution. Welder training scholarships are for students seeking a short-term welding certificate program (less than two years).
Application deadline: The National, District, and Section Scholarships deadline is March 1. The Welder Training Scholarship application closes on November 30, with awards selected on a rolling basis.
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