Yes, Trade School Scholarships Exist! Here's How To Get Them

By Katie Gustafson & SkillPointe Staff

The word “scholarship” is usually associated with four-year colleges, but this funding is available to students who choose other paths, including the skilled trades and other types of skills-based training. You may be surprised to learn how many trade school scholarships and grants are available. 

Local businesses and specific industries eager to improve the skills-based talent pipeline have created programs to help students pay for the training they need. Their efforts have created many vocational scholarships with specific eligibility requirements.

It’s necessary to do some research to figure out which scholarships are a potential match for your circumstances, but putting in the work can be worth it.

For the right person, trade school grants and scholarships can be the key to forging a new career path with a bright future.

Can you get financial aid for trade school?

Yes, you can get financial aid for trade school! Just like financial aid for community college, trade school scholarships come from a wide range of sources, from the federal government to trade unions to nonprofit organizations.

For example, SkillPointe ambassador Tracy Wilson used a trade school scholarship to help her transition from being a housekeeper to becoming an instrumentation technician.

The rules about how you can use scholarship money differ from program to program. Some have specific requirements, such as targeting a particular discipline or a geographic area. For example, the Career and Technical Scholarship, part of the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, funds vocational students in the state with support from local companies. 

Getting financial aid for trade school starts with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a federal government form that establishes your eligibility for educational assistance like grants, loans and work-study programs. This is a necessary step if you want to apply for scholarships because many providers refer to your FAFSA information when deciding scholarship awards.

FAFSA may also lead you to additional funding sources. Another helpful federal resource is Finaid, which spells out the different types of aid and provides calculators and advice. 

Workforce Pell Grants, a new option as of July 1, 2026, are an exciting new option for short training programs. The federal government expanded eligibility for Pell Grants to cover short-term, high-quality training programs for those pursuing high-skill, high-wage or in-demand jobs. To qualify, a program must be determined by a state's governor to meet quality standards, lead to a recognized credential and show strong outcomes. At least 70% of enrolled students must complete the program and 70% must land a related job within six months of completion. 

There are two important factors to keep in mind when searching for trade schools and financial assistance: 

• Accreditation matters: Your trade school education will be eligible for federal student aid only if the school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Check the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) and type in the name of the school.
• Length of training program: If a program from an accredited school lasts longer than 600 hours in 15 weeks, it’s eligible for all forms of federal aid. If the program is shorter than 15 weeks, it’s only eligible for the Direct Loan program and Workforce Pell Grants.

Acquiring scholarships can allow trade school students to graduate with little or no debt — an incredible advantage in a world where post-secondary education can mean thousands of dollars to pay back.

Where to look for trade school grants and scholarships

When looking for scholarship money, start with the school where you plan to attend. Many schools have scholarships provided by local employers eager to encourage the next generation of skilled workers in their industry. Individual schools also offer student support services, which may provide additional money and help.

Next, look for aid options at the state level. SkillPointe helps make this step easier. We're combing through options by state, such as Maryland scholarships, Georgia scholarships and many others. For example, Indiana offers the Mitch Daniels Early Graduation Scholarship, which provides $4,000 to fast learners who are ready to graduate after 11th grade and jump into an accredited career program.

In addition, there are many websites that list scholarships, including those that cover trade school or vocational education. (Use the filters and search features to zero in on relevant options.) Scholarship listings change frequently, so make sure to check each scholarship website to confirm information you find elsewhere.

Check out the following sites to begin your search:

• CareerOneStop offers a comprehensive list of scholarships and some information on federal financial aid. The site is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
• Fastweb matches students and scholarships, based on the student’s qualifications and interests. The site requires students to sign up and create a profile to get their matches, although applying for scholarships is done outside of the platform. The site also makes it easy to search for part-time jobs and internships.
• Pell Grants are awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to students with demonstrated financial need who are enrolled or accepted at an undergraduate institution or technical school. Your school will determine if you’re eligible using the information from your FAFSA form.
• Peterson’s scholarship search allows you to specify the type of scholarship you’re looking for.
• SkillPointe’s financial resources page has a very helpful AI agent that can answer your financial assistance questions.
• Scholarships.com has an extensive list of vocational scholarships.
• The Scholarship System offers a list of 56 vocational school scholarships. 

After you get the big-picture view of what’s available, follow up on the scholarships for technical schools that best fit your situation, such as the examples below.

Trade school scholarships and grants you can apply for

There’s no shortage of scholarships for students pursuing trade school. You’ll want to invest the time in a thorough search, including professional organizations that support skills-based jobs. Keep in mind that the deadlines for submission vary. Some are seasonal while others are recurring. 

AABE Scholarship Program 

American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) awards more than $350,000 in scholarships each year to high school seniors to pursue education and careers in the energy industry. Applicants must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 and be majoring in a related discipline. Winners are selected at the local chapter, regional and national levels. 

Addiction Resource Scholarship

This scholarship is an essay contest for full-time students pursuing an associate degree or trade certification. Submit an essay that is no longer than 1,200 words on a particular topic related to addiction and mental health. The topic changes each year and must not contain AI-generated content. As of 2025, the first- and second-place winners receive $1,250 and $250 scholarship awards, respectively.

American Legion Auxiliary Non-Traditional Student Scholarship

This annual scholarship is awarded annually in each region to members of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion, or a veteran or spouse of a veteran who was honorably discharged. Applicants must be returning to the classroom after their education was interrupted or are beginning their education later in life. The award can be applied to a technical, trade or professional program or a two- or four-year degree. As of 2026, the program distributes five scholarships of $2,000 each. 

AmericanTrucks Student Scholarships

Students, including high school seniors, who are currently enrolled or planning to enroll full-time in a vocational school, technical institute, apprenticeship or two- or four-year program in the traditional building trades can apply for this scholarship, which is awarded twice a year. As of 2026, each scholarship award is $2,500.

American Welding Society (AWS) Scholarships

Students who are currently enrolled in a technical school, community college or university welding program can apply for a series of scholarships for welding or a related discipline. Some of the scholarships are need-based and others require applicants to be a student member of AWS. In addition, district-level scholarships and grants are available. As of 2026, the scholarships available range from $1,000-$10,000+.

Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship

Students currently enrolled or planning to enroll in beauty and wellness programs can apply for this $2,500 scholarship, which is awarded two times a year by the Beauty Schools Directory. The funds can be applied to accredited or state-approved programs in cosmetology, esthetics, massage therapy, barbering, electrology, trichology, hair design, makeup artistry, nail technology, salon management, cosmetology teaching or other relevant programs. Application requires submitting a video responding to one of various prompts. 

Boom & Bucket's Student Scholarship Program

Boom & Bucket offers a $1,000 scholarship awarded each year to a student pursuing a heavy machinery-themed program. This scholarship is available to currently enrolled students and future students who are planning to enroll in a program within the next 12 months. The program can be at a college or a trade school anywhere in the United States or Canada. Application requires submitting an essay or video sharing who you are and what excites you about the heavy equipment industry. 

Bring Back the Trades Scholarships

Bring Back the Trades Inc., a New Hampshire nonprofit organization, provides monthly $1,500 scholarships to U.S. students who are attending post-secondary education in the skilled trades.

DEED Lineworker and Technical Education Scholarships

The American Public Power Association’s Demonstration of Energy & Efficiency Developments (DEED) scholarship program supports students pursuing lineworker training or other technical education pathways that are in demand for electric utilities. Each applicant must be sponsored by a DEED member utility. As of 2026, DEED scholarships of $2,000 each are distributed twice each year.

DEWALT Grow the Trades Scholarship 

These $5,000 scholarships support students attending a two-year college or vocational-technical school to get a trade degree/certificate in an industry aligned with the DEWALT supported industries, including electrical, carpentry, construction, HVAC, welding and more. The scholarships program, part of DEWALT’s Grow the Trades initiative that supports the next generation of tradespeople with resources, scholarships and grants, distributed $200,000 in scholarships to 40 students across the U.S. and Canada in 2026.

EGIA Foundation HVAC HERO Scholarship

The Electric & Gas Industries Association (EGIA) Foundation awards scholarships to students pursuing technical education in residential HVAC or home performance contracting. Each year, EGIA distributes 30 scholarships of $2,500 each to support tuition costs at an accredited community college, technical or vocational school or approved technical institute. As many as 50 more students receive fully sponsored online HVAC training.

Future Farmers of America Scholarships

The National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) promotes several scholarships aimed at students pursuing technical, vocational or post-secondary education in rural and agricultural-related trades and fields. The National FFA Scholarship Program, FFA Future Leaders Scholarship, Grow Ag Leaders Scholarship and the Built Ford Tough Scholarship can all be used toward vocational, two-year or four-year qualifying age-related study program. Awards range from $1,000 to $10,000. 

Flip Foundation Scholarship

Graduating high school seniors planning to attend and students currently enrolled at any accredited trade school, community college or university can apply for this scholarship, which started in north Texas but is now available nationwide. The Flip Foundation provides scholarships for students across the nation who are often overlooked. Financial need, the quality of a student's submitted project and GPA will be considered. (A low GPA will not disqualify a student.) 

Home Depot Path to Pro Scholarship

These $2,500 scholarships are open to students pursuing a trade school education in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing or construction management. Apply using the online form. 

Live Más Scholarship

Legal residents or the dependent children of active duty members of the U.S. military can apply for this scholarship from the Taco Bell Foundation. Applicants must meet age requirements, be in good academic standing and be currently enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year college, vocational-technical or trade schools or university program. 

NFSF Scholarships

The NAWIC Founders’ Scholarship Foundation (NFSF) scholarships from the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) are for students pursuing construction-related degree programs in the United States. The awards, starting at $2,000, include an undergraduate scholarship and a construction trades scholarship. 

NIADA Foundation Regional Scholarships

NIADA, the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association Foundation, awards one $3,500 scholarship to a student who lives in one of their four regions and who plans to pursue a career in the automotive industry. 

SparkForce Scholarships

SparkForce, the foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA), offers scholarships for technical schools of up to $2,000/semester twice a year to students pursuing education toward a career in manufacturing. 

PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarships

The educational foundation of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) National Association provides scholarships for students who want to pursue careers in the plumbing or HVAC industries. Awards go to trade school students in these fields and college students pursuing majors related to these fields. 

PTDA Foundation Scholarships

Students who are considering enrolling or are currently enrolled in programs related to the power transmission and motion control (PT/MC) industries can apply for a scholarship from the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) Foundation. Students cannot be currently employed in those industries. Acceptable programs include those from trade schools, technical schools, community colleges and universities, but graduate level programs are not eligible. In 2026, the PTDA Foundation awarded up to eight $3,000 scholarships.

The AHRI Rees Scholarship Foundation

This is a series of scholarship programs supporting students who want to work in the HVACR industry. 

SkillsUSA Scholarships

SkillsUSA is a student-led partnership between education and industry that offers a long list of scholarships for students who want to learn skills in construction, energy, manufacturing, transportation and many other skills-based industries. Applicants must be SkillsUSA members who plan to enroll in a postsecondary program in the upcoming academic year. For membership, check to see if your school has a chapter or how to start one. 

SME Education Foundation Scholarships

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Education Foundation lists multiple scholarships for students seeking a two-year, four-year or graduate degree in manufacturing, mechanical or industrial engineering, engineering technology or industrial technology at an accredited college.

Tech Force Foundation Scholarships and Grants

This is a series of support options for financially disadvantaged high school graduates, career-changing adults and veterans who want to pursue a technical, automotive-related career. The options range from scholarships for tuition to grants covering relocation costs and more.  

TMC's Technician & Educator Committee (TEC) Scholarships

The Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) of the American Trucking Associations offers scholarships for those pursuing training and education in fleet maintenance, including specific programs such as WyoTech, Lincoln Tech and other automotive and diesel programs. 

Track to the Trades Scholarships

Started in 2024 by the SupplyHouse Foundation, the Track to the Trades Scholarship covers costs like tuition, tools and certification exam fees for those pursuing plumbing, HVAC, electrical or related programs. The scholarship is open to currently enrolled trade school students, high school seniors planning to pursue a trade after graduation, apprentices working toward licensure in a trade and early career tradespeople. As of 2026, the program is disbursing 30 scholarships of $2,500 each. 

Women in Auto Care Scholarship

Female high school students who want to pursue a career in the auto care industry or those currently enrolled in a program can apply for this scholarship. GPA requirements apply, and programs must be accredited. 

Workforce Pell Grants

As mentioned in the section above, Workforce Pell Grants support short-term training programs for in-demand jobs. Unlike traditional Pell Grants, Workforce Pell Grants can be acquired by students who hold a bachelor's degree. These grants have the same eligibility requirements at Pell Grants, and eligibility is determined via the FAFSA. 

A note about loans

While scholarships and grants are the best options, sometimes loans are necessary to cover tuition or other school costs. If you need a loan, explore these low-interest and no-interest options first.

StudentAid.gov is the U.S. Department of Education’s resource for student aid. Students can apply for loans, find a wealth of information and utilize handy tools like the FAFSA4caster, an eligibility calculator. The most important step is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. 

Sallie Mae is a consumer banking corporation with a focus on private student loans. In addition to providing lending services, the site can also help with financial questions, college planning and credit cards. 

LendingTree is a financial information site that compares the different loans available based on the school a student plans to attend.

This article is frequently updated to add additional scholarship information.

Katherine Gustafson is a full-time freelance writer specializing in content for mission-driven changemakers such as tech disruptors in fintech, healthcare IT, and B2B SaaS. She also does corporate work on business topics including accounting, management, and innovation for companies such as Bloomberg, Visa and Adobe.