Scholarships for Skilled Trades Students
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Trade school students in Florida and South Carolina — here's everything you need to know before you apply.
Who Can Apply
NRC welcomes applications from four distinct groups. Each has its own focus area but shares the same core eligibility requirements.
Award: $1,000 Starter Scholarship
Open to graduating seniors (or recent graduates within 12 months) accepted into or applying to an accredited trade or technical program. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine plan to enter a skilled trade career.
Award: $2,500 Career Transition Award
Open to adults of any age leaving a prior occupation to pursue a skilled trade credential for the first time. Financial barriers must be a primary factor preventing or delaying enrollment. Prior work history is considered positively.
Award: $1,500 Continuing Student Grant
Open to students currently enrolled in an eligible trade or technical program who are at risk of interrupting or withdrawing due to financial hardship. Proof of current enrollment required.
Award: $2,500 Veterans Trades Award
Open to honorably discharged veterans of any branch of the U.S. military enrolling in or attending an accredited trade program. NRC awards may be stacked with GI Bill or other VA benefits to reduce remaining out-of-pocket costs.
Note: Any applicant in any category may be considered for the $5,000 Scholarship Champion Award at the review committee's discretion when an exceptional application is received.
Minimum Requirements
All applicants, regardless of category, must meet the following requirements at the time of application.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Accredited Program | Must be enrolled in or applying to an accredited trade, vocational, or technical program. Accreditation recognized by COE, ACCSC, or regional accreditor. |
| Program Length | Program must be at least 300 clock hours or 8+ semester credit hours (minimum for federal financial aid eligibility). |
| Trade Field | Program must lead to employment in a skilled trade: electrical, HVAC/R, plumbing, carpentry, welding, automotive/diesel, marine mechanics, CDL/commercial driving, masonry, roofing, construction technology, and related fields. |
| U.S. Citizen or Authorized Resident | Applicant must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or hold authorized work status. |
| No Prior NRC Award (Same Year) | Students may not receive more than one NRC scholarship award in the same academic year. |
| FAFSA Filed (if applicable) | Applicants who qualify for federal financial aid must have filed a FAFSA for the current award year. Applicants ineligible for federal aid (e.g., some non-degree programs) are exempt. |
| Institution Location | The institution must be located in Florida or South Carolina. Applicants do not need to be current residents of FL or SC. |
Checklist
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. All of the following must be submitted with your application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Writing Tips
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. The personal statement is your most important application element.
Be specific. A statement that says "I've always liked working with my hands" is weaker than "I watched my uncle rewire our house and have been studying electrical theory ever since."
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Reviewers are specifically looking for evidence that cost is a real obstacle — not just a preference to have help with expenses.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Close with a clear picture of where you'll be 12–24 months after completing your program. Reviewers want to see a plan.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. The full online application form will be available here once the campaign launches.
In the meantime, review the eligibility criteria above and begin gathering your required materials so you're ready to submit as soon as applications open.
Questions? Email info@nrcdonations.com