Scholarships and Grants

Exclusive Opportunities for SkillsUSA Members

Scholarships Overview

One of the benefits of SkillsUSA membership is the opportunity to apply for scholarships available only to SkillsUSA members. During the 2022-23 school year, approximately $1 million in annual scholarships were awarded to SkillsUSA high school and college/postsecondary members to offset the cost of postsecondary education and training. Additionally, multiple scholarships were awarded to offset the cost of attending SkillsUSA events such as the National Leadership & Skills Conference and the Washington Leadership and Training Institute.

The 2024 SkillsUSA Scholarship Season will open January 2, 2024 and close April 15, 2024. During this period, SkillsUSA members will be able to apply for annual scholarships! Please note that other scholarship opportunities may also become available outside of these dates. SkillsUSA members are encouraged to monitor this page to access scholarship applications and review updates!

A big thanks to all the generous sponsors who provide these unique scholarship opportunities to our SkillsUSA members!

Eligibility

All applicants to the scholarship opportunities provided below must:

  • 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.

Note: College/postsecondary tuition scholarship award funds are remitted directly to the student’s chosen college/postsecondary institution, NOT to the student. Check out this helpful guide for submitting a quality scholarship application.

Click on the statements below that best apply to you for specific guidance on which scholarship opportunities you may want to consider. You don’t have to choose just one!

  • Fieldpiece #MasteroftheTrade Scholarship ($2,500)
  • AHRI Clifford T. Rees Memorial Scholarship ($2,500)
  • Fine Homebuilding #KeepCraft Alive Scholarship ($2,500)
  • Bob Westphal Memorial Scholarship (award TBD)
  • Fine Homebuilding #KeepCraft Alive Scholarship ($2,500)
  • Larry Rash Memorial Scholarship ($2,500)
  • National Technical Honor Society Scholarship ($1,000)
  • Marsha Daves Memorial Scholarship ($1,500)
  • Sharon Melton Myers Memorial Scholarship ($1,000)

Scholarship Descriptions

Keep reading to review the full descriptions for each SkillsUSA annual scholarship. The 2024 SkillsUSA Scholarship Season will open January 2, 2024 and close April 15, 2024.

Aerotek logo

OPEN PERIOD: Sept. 15 to 11:59 p.m. ET on Nov. 27, 2023

Scholarship Winners Announced: Dec. 6, 2023

Students apply here: https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/SkillsUSA

The SkillsUSA-Aerotek “Make Your Mark” Scholarship is returning to support SkillsUSA member educational costs for the SPRING 2024 term for members in targeted regions and training programs!

If selected to receive a scholarship, the award amount will be based on the selected recipients’ verifiable educational costs for the SPRING 2024 term ONLY. The scholarship award will be issued to the recipient’s postsecondary institution to be applied directly to the recipient’s SPRING 2024 account balance. If the recipient has expenses that cannot be paid out directly from SkillsUSA to the postsecondary institution or apprenticeship provider, recipients must provide documented proof of educational expenses (receipts for tools purchased or a letter from the institution that lists required tools and total estimated costs) to receive a direct payment or reimbursement for verified educational expenses. If selected, these documents will be required as part of the Scholarship Acceptance Form.

The maximum award amount for any recipient is $5,000. Award funding will only be issued for the education costs that are verified by the recipient.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Applicants must be either a: current postsecondary student or high school senior (early graduate: must have graduated from high school by December, 2023)

2. Applicants must be expecting a tuition bill and/or direct educational costs (tools, PPE, on-campus housing bill) in the SPRING 2024 academic term.

3. Applicants must be active SkillsUSA members.

4. Applicants must be continuing education / career training in one of the pathways below:

a. Construction
b. Manufacturing
c. Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
d. Telecommunications Cabling Training
e. Electronics Technology or Industrial Engineering Technology

5. Applicants must plan to be enrolled for the SPRING 2024 term at one of the following:

a. community college
b. technical college
c. certificate program
d. apprenticeship

6. If selected to receive a scholarship award, recipients must submit a “Scholarship Acceptance Form” by the deadline that includes:

a. agreement to scholarship terms and conditions
b. official documentation that verifies the recipient’s request for aid (official tuition bill, on-campus housing bill, receipts or a list on letterhead from the school/apprenticeship provider of required tools/PPE/financial aid)
c. a written or video-recorded message of thanks to the scholarship sponsor, Aerotek.

Policies:

a. The SkillsUSA-Aerotek “Make Your Mark” Scholarship cannot be awarded to support completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree program or master’s degree program.

b. This award is intended to be applied toward tuition and educational expenses for the SPRING 2024 term only.

c. Completion of this application and/or eligibility does not guarantee selection.

d. For the SkillsUSA-Aerotek “Make Your Mark” Scholarship to be paid out the student’s postsecondary institution or apprentice provider (preferred method), the recipient must submit documented proof of enrollment and tuition balance (tuition bill, on-campus housing bill, etc.)

e. If direct educational expenses cannot be paid out directly to the student’s postsecondary institution, recipients must be able to provide receipts for tools, equipment, PPE purchased or a letter from the institution that lists required tools and total direct cost. This documentation will be required to receive a direct payment or reimbursement for verified educational expenses.

SkillsUSA-Aerotek may rescind a scholarship if:

a. A recipient does not respond to communications from SkillsUSA/Aerotek.

b. A recipient fails to submit the Scholarship Acceptance Form by the required deadline.

c. A recipient uploads incomplete or unsatisfactory documentation as part of the Scholarship Acceptance Form.

d. SkillsUSA-Aerotek finds that the recipient’s tuition and other eligible educational expenses for SPRING 2024 have already been paid for via other sources.

Aerotek flyer.

SkillsUSA is America’s proud champion of the skilled trades. Since 2020, the Clifford H. Ted Rees Jr. Scholarship Foundation has contributed $100,000 to SkillsUSA and awarded 36 scholarships to SkillsUSA recipients

Must be a current HVAC student planning to continue study at the college/postsecondary level. Must be an 11th or 12th grade high school student OR college/postsecondary student to apply.

Online application will open here on January 2 and remain active until April 15 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

The SkillsUSA–Bob Westphal Memorial Scholarship provides annual scholarship awards to applicants who demonstrate promise in the construction trades, with an emphasis on sustainability.

Must be a student in an energy construction pathway and planning to continue study at the college/postsecondary level. Must be an 11th or 12th grade high school student OR college/postsecondary student to apply.

Online application will open here on January 2 and remain active until May 31 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Photo of Bob WestphalThe Bob Westphal Memorial Scholarship program was established to honor the memory of Robert H. Westphal (1944-2020) in recognition of his impact on the oil and gas pipeline industry. The program is aimed at assisting students interested in pursuing a career in energy construction. Westphal committed a lifetime of leadership in pipeline construction. He gave back to the industry in many ways, including leadership positions with industry associations and in working with labor organizations.


Fieldpiece Instruments, a leader in tool and test instruments for HVACR professionals for over 30 years, is partnering with SkillsUSA for the annual #MasteroftheTrade Scholarship. Fieldpiece will present $25,000 in scholarships to give back to the industry it serves through two separate opportunities:

  1. $15,000 in scholarships will be awarded as six (6) one-time, $2,500 scholarship awards to SkillsUSA students currently enrolled in an HVACR program who intend to pursue a career in HVACR technology. Opportunities to submit entries for this scholarship will be open through April 15, 2024. Winners will be announced on May 16, 2024.
  2. $10,000 in scholarships will also be awarded as a one-time award during the National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) to HVAC medalists as follows:
    High School

    • $2,500 – Gold
    • $1,500 – Silver
    • $1,000 – Bronze

    College/Postsecondary

    • $2,500 – Gold
    • $1,500 – Silver
    • $1,000 – Bronze

Apply online today.

About Fieldpiece Instruments: Fieldpiece Instruments is an innovative technology company focused on helping industry professionals do their jobs easier, faster and better around the globe. It delivers on this promise through industry-leading devices with the broadest range of professional-grade tools and technology inspired by real-world application and field use. Fieldpiece is focused on serving the HVACR industry exclusively, enabling HVACR professionals to become Masters of the Trade. For more information, please visit www.fieldpiece.com.


Must be a student in a homebuilding-related pathway (such as plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, electrical, etc.) and planning to continue study at the college/postsecondary level. Must be a grade 11 or 12 high school student OR college/postsecondary student to apply.

Apply online today.


Must be a student enrolled in an architectural drafting program and planning to continue study at the college/postsecondary level. Must be an 11th or 12th grade high school student.

Larry Rash grew up building with Legos in grade school. As a young adult, he studied drafting and architecture at D. Russell Lee Vocational School near Cincinnati, Ohio, where he also had a co-op position at Steed, Hammond and Paul Architects. He earned a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering technology from the University of Cincinnati in 1982 and gained his registration from the State of Wisconsin in 1996.

Larry worked for Ryland Homes for over 20 years. In 2010, Larry joined Davis Bews Design Group (DBDG) in Tampa, Fla. At DBDG, Larry provided QA reviews of every plan before it left the office. He also researched building codes and provided quality feedback to drafters so they understood the “why” behind specific building requirements and regulations. Larry also regularly attended local builder association meetings and kept staff and clients up to date on changes and trends in the industry.

Larry enjoyed being challenged, and one of his favorite hobbies included visiting and photographing architectural sites in his spare time. His life passion was designing homes where families could live out their dreams. We know that he would be honored to sponsor young individuals pursuing careers in architecture.

Apply online today.


Must be a SkillsUSA state officer and high school senior OR college/postsecondary student to apply.

During Marsha Daves’ impactful SkillsUSA career, she served many roles, from SkillsUSA Oklahoma director to SkillsUSA national staff member. She inspired the creation of Oklahoma’s Marsha Daves Lifetime Achievement Award and earned SkillsUSA’s Honorary Life Award. Marsha was an educator, advisor, mentor and friend, and she changed many lives along the way. That legacy continues through this scholarship.

Apply online today.

You can also donate to the Marsha Daves Scholarship Fund to help fund this scholarship for future recipients.

Must be a member of both SkillsUSA and NTHS. Must be a current high school or college/postsecondary student (any grade/year). Applicants from all skilled trades pathways are encouraged to apply.

Apply here.

Start a new NTHS Chapter.

Event Scholarships

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide support for top students who have insufficient chapter, school or community resources to participate in Leverage, a national-level SkillsUSA leadership training held prior to SkillsUSA’s annual National Leadership & Skills Conference.

Only SkillsUSA state association directors may submit applications for scholarship candidates to attend Leverage. Each state association, including both high school and college/postsecondary associations in applicable states, may submit an application for each state officer on their team. Once nomination applications are received, a panel of SkillsUSA staff and leadership trainers will evaluate the applications and select recipients.

This scholarship is made possible due to a generous contribution from Robert L. Flint, a former Caterpillar executive and longtime supporter of SkillsUSA.

Four $1,300 scholarships will be given in 2024. The deadline to apply is midnight ET on May 6, 2024.

Apply online today.


In partnership with Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, SkillsUSA is proud to announce this scholarship opportunity for SkillsUSA high school members competing at the 2024 National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in specific skilled trades or leadership competitions.

Eligible members can apply to receive up to $1,500 to assist in attending the 2024 NLSC. Scholarship funds are remitted directly to recipients’ SkillsUSA state or territorial association. They will then be distributed by the association to the recipients’ SkillsUSA chapters. Recipients of scholarship funds must agree to use the funds for reasonable and appropriate costs of travel, lodging, and the cost of registration for the 2024 NLSC, as described in the online application. Applications will be accepted from March 23 – May 22, 2024. Recipients will be announced May 25, 2024.

Apply here.

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide support for top students who have insufficient chapter, school or community resources to attend SkillsUSA’s Washington Leadership and Training Institute (WLTI). This scholarship is made possible due to a generous contribution from Robert L. Flint, a former Caterpillar executive and longtime supporter of SkillsUSA.

Acceptance is based on student’s resume; description of their school; community, church and family involvement; and a 300-word essay. Submitted attachments must be error-free and complete. Four awards of $800 each will be distributed to applicants in 2024. The deadline is 11:59 PM ET on August 15, 2023.

Apply here.

Note: State Directors submit this on behalf of the student.

Other Scholarships

The Sharon Melton Myers Memorial Fund, SkillsUSA and the McMinn County Vocational Center Alumni Association are offering two high school seniors who are members of SkillsUSA a one-time $1,000 scholarship to support the continuance of their education in college or technical school.

Must be a current high school senior. Applicants from all CTE pathways are encouraged to apply.

Sharon Ruth Melton Myers was an active member of the McMinn County Vocational Center SkillsUSA Chapter from 1985 through 1988. During this time, Sharon participated in local, state and national SkillsUSA activities. She served as a local officer in 1986 and 1987, Tennessee state secretary in 1986-87, and president of SkillsUSA’s national officer team in 1987-88. She also participated in her chapter’s Opening and Closing Team in 1986-88. Following graduation from McMinn High in 1988, Sharon continued as a tireless supporter of SkillsUSA, serving as a national officer trainer for several years. She was integral in establishing a Tennessee SkillsUSA Alumni Charter and Constitution while attending David Lipscomb College in Nashville. Sharon was dedicated to the ideals of SkillsUSA and its mission, and her proud legacy continues through this unique scholarship.

Online application will open here on January 2 and remain active until April 15 at 11:59 p.m. ET


The Student Research Foundation (SRF), in partnership with SkillsUSA, is excited and proud to offer a scholarship to a SkillsUSA member who is currently enrolled in high school and who plans to continue their education in a college/postsecondary institution or program (career and technical college or training program, community college, four-year college or university, etc.).

The scholarship will recognize outstanding community contribution (see details below) and is intended to provide support during the student’s first year of postsecondary enrollment in any field of study. The award can range from $1,500 to $7,000. At least one scholarship will be awarded to a SkillsUSA high school member each year subject to the requirements below.

Applications must be submitted via the online form on the Student Research Foundation scholarship web page by July 26, 2024 for review and determination. Finalists/Winners will be announced on or around November 20, 2024.

Requirements:

To apply for the Student Research Foundation Community Contribution Scholarship, applicants:

  • Must be a SkillsUSA high school (junior or senior) member during the 2023-2024 school year.
  • Must be planning to study in a college/postsecondary program or institution after graduation.
  • Must complete the application form on the Student Research Foundation scholarship page and agree to all the rules and regulations of the program.
  • Must be willing to provide any follow-up information and verification to Student Research Foundation staff as needed.

The award will be based upon:

  • The merit of the content of an essay describing a need or a problem in your community and how you determined a way to address the issue. Make sure to tell us how you implemented your plan to make change happen within your community: your “Community Contribution!”  You will also need to complete a quick application form with some basic contact information.
  • A review of any supporting information requested by SRF about your project or SkillsUSA membership to validate any details.

Once enrolled in their postsecondary education, the awardee of this scholarship must validate their enrollment by providing the institution name and bursar’s office postal mailing address to SRF, as well as any student identification needed to link the awardee to the scholarship funds. Funds will be distributed directly to the postsecondary institution by check via postal mail, to be credited to the student’s account.

Apply online today.

Lowe’s announces grants up to $15,000 for SkillsUSA chapters focused on the construction trade – including:

  • Cabinetmaking
  • Carpentry
  • Electrical Construction Wiring
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR)
  • Masonry
  • Plumbing
  • Sheet Metal
  • Welding
  • Architectural Drafting

Do you need to upgrade your tools or equipment? Do you need additional materials and supplies for your students this year? Do your students have a great community service project that they would like to conduct but you need equipment, materials and supplies to launch?

Consider applying for a Lowe’s grant for up to $15,000. All funds must be spent at Lowe’s. The grant is designed to upgrade a classroom or lab with new equipment or materials and supplies for a community service project.

Timeline for the grant cycle:
Applications open on September 1, 2023.
Application must be submitted by September 30, 2023.
Successful applicants will be notified by October 30, 2023.
Projects or upgrades must be completed by June 1, 2024.

Simple reporting requirements include a three-minute video by the students and instructors that share the impact of the grant. Additionally, post three social media shout outs and a news release to your campus website or the local newspaper. The posts and news releases will be provided. Successful applicants will also supply a short summary stating quantifiable impact data of the project or upgrade.

If you have questions about the grant program, please reach out to Laura Rauch at lrauch@skillsusa.org.

Applications will be accepted here starting Sept. 1.

Other Aid

Federal Student Aid provides more than $150 billion in grants, loans, and work-study to colleges and career schools each year. The free application (FAFSA) is the starting point to learn what students could qualify for from the federal government, state government, and the school they choose to attend. Find more information through the Student Aid Report. Also available is the Financial Aid Toolkit.

This site is administered by the U.S. Department of Education. You do not need to pay ever to file a FAFSA.

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation honors Marines by educating their children. Our scholarship programs cover a full range of certificate and degree programs including CTE. These scholarships are available for sons and daughters of U.S. Marines and Navy Corpsmen, enrolled in CTE programs nationwide. Applications are open year-round.

Check your eligibility and apply today.