Top 25 U.S. Trade School Scholarships You Can Apply Now (2025-26)

Quick-Look Table: Top 25 U.S. Vocational Scholarships for 2025-26

1. Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship Program

Win a portion of $1 million in funding with an application deadline of April 17, 2026. This famous scholarship from the mikeroweWORKS Foundation rewards a strong work ethic over academics. It supports a huge range of approved trades, from welding and construction to HVAC and automotive technology.

• Eligibility: High school senior, graduate, or GED holder; enrolling in an approved U.S. trade program (not a 4-year degree); must sign the S.W.E.A.T. (Skill & Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo) Pledge.
• How to apply: Complete the multi-step application, which includes a short video and references, at the official portal.

2. The Home Depot Foundation Path to Pro Scholarship

Earn up to $2,500 with quarterly deadlines on September 30, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Partnering with the SkillPointe Foundation, this award supports U.S. students pursuing careers in construction, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and construction management. The foundation is committed to closing the skilled labor gap by training the next generation of professionals.

• Eligibility: High school senior or graduate; enrolling in an approved trade-related program at an accredited U.S. two-year school.
• How to apply: Submit the online application and two short essays through the SkillPointe portal.

3. DEWALT Trades Scholarship

Secure a $5,000 award with a deadline of March 3, 2026. Stanley Black & Decker and DEWALT are investing in U.S. students pursuing a degree or certificate in trade fields like construction, industrial mechanics, and technology at a two-year college or vocational-technical school. Forty awards will be granted for the 2025-2026 academic year.

• Eligibility: U.S. or Canadian citizen; high school senior/graduate or current undergraduate; enrolling full-time in a trade program for the 2025-26 academic year.
• How to apply: Apply through the official scholarship portal administered by Scholarship America when the application window opens.

4. National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Jon H. Poteat Scholarship

Receive a $1,000 award with an application window closing May 1, 2026. Named for the co-founder of the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), this scholarship is reserved exclusively for active NTHS members. The society awards 250 of these scholarships annually to support U.S. students in Career and Technical Education (CTE).

• Eligibility: Must be an active member of NTHS. Membership establishes eligibility automatically.
• How to apply: Log into the NTHS portal and complete the simple online application before the deadline.

5. Imagine America Foundation Scholarship

Get a $1,000 tuition discount with a deadline of December 31, 2025 for recent high school graduates. The Imagine America Foundation partners with hundreds of career colleges across the country to offer this award. It is available for a wide variety of programs, including automotive, skilled trades, and healthcare.

• Eligibility: Recent high school graduate (or adult/military student for other programs); must demonstrate financial need and a 2.5+ GPA is suggested.
• How to apply: Create a profile and apply for the award for a participating career college.

6. TechForce Foundation Scholarships

Awards average $2,500 to $3,500, with application cycles running throughout the year. TechForce is a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting U.S. students pursuing technician careers in the transportation sector, including automotive, diesel, aviation, marine, and motorsports. Scholarships are need-based and help cover tuition and educational expenses.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizen/permanent resident/DACA status; high school diploma/GED; enrolled in a post-secondary vehicle technician program; must have a completed FAFSA.
• How to apply: Create a free profile on the TechForce Network to access the scholarship portal and apply.

7. SkillsUSA #KeepCraftAlive Scholarship

Win a $2,500 scholarship with an application deadline of April 15, 2026. In partnership with Fine Homebuilding, this SkillsUSA scholarship supports U.S. students in homebuilding-related pathways like plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, and electrical. It aims to encourage and celebrate the next generation of craftspeople dedicated to quality home construction.

• Eligibility: Must be a SkillsUSA member; student in a homebuilding-related program; planning to continue study at the college/postsecondary level.
• How to apply: Apply through the official SkillsUSA scholarship portal when the cycle opens.

U.S. Construction & Remodeling Scholarships

8. NASCLA Scholarship Program

Receive up to $5,000 with a deadline of May 26, 2026. The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) offers this award to students pursuing licenses, certificates, or degrees in the construction industry. Winners also receive a complimentary invitation to the NASCLA Annual Conference.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizen or permanent resident; enrolled in an accredited technical school or craft training program in a construction discipline.
• How to apply: Submit your application via the NASCLA website before the deadline.

9. Graybar Construction Trades Scholarship

Earn a renewable award of up to $2,500 with a deadline of April 16, 2026. Administered by the St. Louis Community Foundation, this national scholarship supports students enrolling in a nonprofit two-year college, technical school, or apprenticeship program in the construction trades, including electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and carpentry.

• Eligibility: Graduating high school senior or graduate/GED holder; enrolling in a construction trades program; 2.5+ GPA; must demonstrate financial need.
• How to apply: Apply through the Scholarship Central portal.

10. AGC Workforce Development Scholarship

This $1,000 renewable scholarship opens for applications on March 1, 2026. The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Education and Research Foundation offers this award specifically for students pursuing craft or technical programs. It’s designed to build the skilled workforce from the ground up.

• Eligibility: Must be planning to attend a technical school or approved craft training program; must desire a career in construction.
• How to apply: Visit the AGC Foundation scholarship page to access the application when it opens.

11. NCCER/Build Your Future Scholarship

Win one of five $2,000 scholarships with a deadline of April 1, 2026. The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and its Build Your Future (BYF) initiative partner with NTHS for this award. It supports NTHS members pursuing careers in construction-related disciplines.

• Eligibility: Current high school or post-secondary NTHS member; studying a construction-related discipline like carpentry, electrical, HVAC, or welding.
• How to apply: Log into the NTHS portal to access the application.

12. NARI Foundation Scholarship

Awards range up to $5,000, with deadlines varying by local chapter. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and its local chapters support students pursuing careers in residential construction and remodeling. Deadlines are often in the spring and fall.

• Eligibility: Varies by chapter, but generally for students in programs like architecture, carpentry, interior design, plumbing, or electrical.
• How to apply: Contact your local NARI chapter to find specific deadlines and application details.

U.S. Scholarships for Women & Diverse Students

13. Women Rock Trades Scholarship

This $2,500 scholarship for women has an application window from January 10 to March 15, 2026. Sponsored by The Hourglass Foundation, this award is for female high school, community college, or trade school students planning to enroll or currently enrolled in a skilled trades program like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or construction.

• Eligibility: U.S. female student; enrolling in a skilled trades program; 2.5+ GPA.
• How to apply: Submit your application, essay, and letters of recommendation online.

14. NAWIC Construction Trades Scholarship

Awards start at $1,000 and can exceed $2,500, with a deadline of February 28, 2026. The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Founders’ Scholarship Foundation supports students obtaining training in a construction-related craft or trade. The program is open to all, with a mission to enhance the success of women in the industry.

• Eligibility: Enrolled in a construction-related training program at a community college, technical school, or approved apprenticeship.
• How to apply: Download the application from the NAWIC website and submit all materials by the deadline.

15. OHM Advisors Diversity Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship has a deadline of October 15, 2025. This award provides financial assistance to women and minority students who are enrolled or planning to enroll in a STEM program or a related field of practice like architecture or urban design. Special consideration is given to applicants living near an OHM Advisors office.

• Eligibility: Woman and/or minority student; high school senior through college junior; enrolling in a STEM or related program.
• How to apply: Visit the OHM Advisors website to find the application when the window opens.

U.S. HVAC & Plumbing Scholarships

16. HVAC HERO Scholarship

Up to 30 students can win $2,500 with a deadline of June 15, 2026. The EGIA Foundation’s HVAC HERO program supports students pursuing an HVAC degree, certificate, or diploma at a community college or trade school. It aims to build the next generation of industry professionals.

• Eligibility: Enrolled or planning to enroll in an HVAC technical program; 2.0+ GPA; U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• How to apply: Fill out the online application, which includes a short essay or video.

17. Rees Scholarship Foundation

Awards are up to $2,000, with biannual deadlines on October 1, 2025, and June 1, 2026. The Clifford H. “Ted” Rees, Jr. Scholarship Foundation assists students enrolled in an accredited school for Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) training. They also have a dedicated program for veterans.

• Eligibility: Enrolled in an HVACR training program at an institutionally accredited school.
• How to apply: Submit your application online through the official portal.

18. PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarship

Awards range from $1,500 to $10,000, with a deadline of May 1, 2026. The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Educational Foundation provides dozens of scholarships to apprentices and students in plumbing or HVACR programs. Many awards are for employees of PHCC member companies.

• Eligibility: Enrolled in a PHCC-approved apprentice program, or a certificate/degree program in a p-h-c field at a trade school or college.
• How to apply: Apply online through the PHCC Foundation’s website.

U.S. Welding & Manufacturing Scholarships

19. American Welding Society (AWS) National Scholarships

Win between $3,000 and $10,000+ with an application deadline of March 1, 2026. The American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation offers its most prestigious awards to students pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in welding or a related discipline like welding engineering. Over 130 donor-funded scholarships are available through one application.

• Eligibility: Enrolled in a two- or four-year degree program in welding or a related field; some awards require AWS membership or demonstrated financial need.
• How to apply: Create a profile and apply through the AWS online scholarship portal starting December 1.

20. American Welding Society (AWS) Welder Training Scholarship

Receive a $1,000 award with a rolling application window. This AWS Foundation scholarship is specifically for students seeking welder training in a certificate program that is less than two years long. Applications are accepted from January through November, and awards are made until funds are depleted for the year.

• Eligibility: Seeking welder training in a certificate program at a trade school, community college, or other approved facility.
• How to apply: Apply through the same AWS online scholarship portal as other AWS awards.

21. SME Education Foundation Scholarship

Awards range from $1,000 to over $6,000, with a deadline of February 1, 2026. The SME Education Foundation supports students pursuing associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degrees in manufacturing engineering, technology, or a closely related field. One application makes you eligible for dozens of awards.

• Eligibility: U.S. or Canadian citizen/permanent resident; 2.0+ GPA; pursuing a degree in a field like manufacturing, robotics, or welding technology.
• How to apply: Register and apply through the SMEEF scholarship portal between November 1 and February 1.

22. IEC Foundation Scholarship

Awards range from $500 to $1,500, with a deadline of February 6, 2026. The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Foundation provides scholarships to students in an IEC-approved electrical apprenticeship program or those pursuing a college degree in the electrical industry. Applicants must be sponsored by an IEC member company.

• Eligibility: High school graduate/GED; U.S. citizen or legal resident; enrolled in an IEC apprenticeship or college electrical program; sponsored by an IEC member.
• How to apply: Download the application from the IEC Foundation website and submit with required documents.

United States of America Automotive Scholarships

23. Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships Central

Win one of hundreds of scholarships with a single application due March 31, 2026. The University of the Aftermarket Foundation hosts this central application portal, which allows students to be considered for awards from over 40 different organizations. Priority is given to those training to become technicians.

• Eligibility: Full-time student at an accredited U.S. college or ASE/NATEF certified post-secondary school in an automotive, collision, or heavy-duty program.
• How to apply: Complete the single online application to be considered for multiple awards.

24. Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship

Awards are up to $5,000, with applications due by June 30, 2026. This scholarship supports students who have a sincere interest in pursuing an automotive career. It is open to students accepted at an accredited college, university, or trade school in the United States.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizen or on a student visa; accepted to an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s program; 3.0+ GPA.
• How to apply: Submit the completed application form, transcript, and two letters of recommendation online or by mail.

25. Garage Gurus Scholarship

Win one of 12 scholarships for $2,500 with a deadline of March 31, 2026. Garage Gurus, a leading training platform, supports the next generation of top technicians with this annual award. Since 2015, the program has provided over $240,000 to students pursuing automotive careers.

• Eligibility: High school senior or college/trade school student; pursuing an automotive technician degree or certification.
• How to apply: Apply online with a transcript, recommendation, and a short essay or video about your career goals.

Your 2025-26 Application Roadmap

Navigating U.S. scholarship deadlines can be overwhelming. Use this calendar to plan your application strategy. Many applications require similar materials, so preparing your “toolkit” in advance can save significant time and stress.

Month-by-Month Deadline Calendar

• Official Transcripts: Request digital or sealed paper copies from your high school and any colleges attended.
• FAFSA Submission Summary: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many need-based scholarships require this.
• Letters of Recommendation: Identify teachers, mentors, or employers who can speak to your skills and work ethic. Give them at least one month’s notice.
• A Professional Resume: List your work experience, extracurricular activities, certifications, and any honors or awards.
• A “Master” Essay: Write a compelling 500-word story about why you chose your trade, a project you’re proud of, and your career goals. You can adapt this for different applications.
• A Professional Headshot: Some applications request a simple, clear photo of yourself.

5 Pro Tips to Craft a Winning Application

1. Show, Don’t Just Tell, Your Passion. Instead of saying you enjoy your trade, describe a project you built or a complex problem you solved. Use your essay to tell a story about a time you fixed something with your hands. This provides concrete evidence of your dedication and skill.
2. Connect Your Goals to the Sponsor’s Mission. Research the organization providing the funds. If applying for The Home Depot’s scholarship, talk about building communities. For DEWALT, focus on the future of the trades. Aligning your personal story with their values makes your application more memorable.
3. Choose Recommenders Who’ve Seen You Work. A letter from a shop teacher, a part-time job supervisor, or a mentor who has witnessed your work ethic is far more powerful than a generic letter from an academic teacher. Provide them with your resume and essay to help them write a specific, detailed recommendation.
4. Create a “Brag Sheet” and Master Application. Keep a running document of every project, award, certification, volunteer hour, and job. This makes filling out applications faster and ensures you don’t forget key achievements. Write one strong, personal essay and adapt it for each specific prompt to save hours of work.
5. Proofread Everything. Twice. A sloppy application signals a lack of attention to detail—a critical flaw in any skilled trade. Read your application out loud to catch typos and awkward phrasing. Then, ask a trusted teacher, parent, or friend to review it one more time before you hit submit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I really get a good-paying job with a trade school education?

A: Absolutely. The demand for skilled professionals in fields like HVAC, welding, automotive repair, and construction is at an all-time high. Many experienced technicians earn salaries well above the national average, and the hands-on nature of the work often provides a clear path to starting your own business.

Q2: Do I need a perfect GPA to get a trade school scholarship?

A: Not at all. While some scholarships consider academics, many—like the Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship—prioritize passion, hands-on experience, and a demonstrated work ethic. Your dedication to your craft and your clear career goals are often your biggest assets in an application.

Q3: How is trade school different from a four-year college?

A: Trade school is focused, hands-on, and career-oriented. Programs are typically much shorter (from a few months to two years) and less expensive than a traditional bachelor’s degree. The curriculum is designed to provide you with specific, in-demand skills to get you into the workforce quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The skilled trades offer a direct path to a rewarding and financially secure future. These 25 scholarships are just the beginning of the financial support available to help you achieve your goals. The organizations behind these awards are investing in you because they know the country needs your talent and dedication.

Your next step is clear. Bookmark this page. Set calendar reminders for the deadlines that fit your goals. Gather your application materials now so you are prepared. Finally, share this resource with friends and classmates who are ready to build their future in the trades.