Scholarships aren’t just for students attending a traditional 4-year college. Many contests exist for students entering a trade school, and any prize amount that you receive, no matter how big or small, will mean less expenses you have to pay out of pocket. We highlight seven scholarships below for students interested in trade schools. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000. Review the details of each one and encourage any interested students you know to apply on time.
Construct Your Future Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the online application form, including submission of an essay of more than 500 words or a 2-minute video detailing who you are, your career goals, and how you plan to reach those goals.
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students in the U.S. who are interested in pursuing an education or career in a heavy equipment-related field or skilled trade
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 1, 2026
Website: https://buyfleetnow.com/scholarship
Bring Back the Trades Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the online application, including either a short essay or video explaining why you deserve the scholarship.
Eligibility: Must be enrolled in a skilled trade program in the U.S. and complete the FAFSA
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: May 31, 2026 (monthly opportunities)
Website: https://bringbackthetrades.org/scholarships/
HVAC Hero Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the online application, including a transcript, a recent headshot, and an essay or video explaining why you are interested in HVAC.
Eligibility: Open to students planning to enroll or currently enrolled at an accredited institution pursuing an associate degree, certificate, or diploma in an HVAC technical program with at least a 2.0 GPA
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: May 31, 2026
Website: https://alwaysindemand.com/scholarship/apply-now/
Women in HVACR Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the application, which includes at least two reference letters, your transcript, and a headshot, and submit an essay of at least 500 words on what motivated you to seek a career in the HVACR industry, your professional goals, the importance of your major in today’s society, and what you feel are the most important issues facing your field today.
Eligibility: Open to women currently enrolled in a college or trade school preparing them to enter into the HVACR industry with at least a 3.0 GPA
Amount: Six winners will be awarded $5,000 each
Deadline: June 1, 2026
Website: https://www.womeninhvacr.org/scholarships
Horatio Alger Career & Technical Education Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the application.
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen enrolled in an associate degree, certificate, or diploma program by September 2026 and demonstrate financial need
Amount: Up to $2,500
Deadline: June 15, 2026 (with a rolling selection process)
Website: https://horatioalger.org/career-technical-education-scholarships/
Home Depot Foundation’s Path to Pro Scholarship
How to Apply: Submit two short essays on what is driving your passion to pursue a career in the skilled trades and how this scholarship and education will help you achieve your career goals.
Eligibility: Must be a high school senior or graduate enrolled or planning to enroll in an approved trade-related program at an accredited U.S. two-year technical/vocational school or college focused on carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or construction management
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: June 30, 2026
Website: https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/skillpointefoundation_homedepot-pathtopro
MikeroweWORKS Work Ethic Scholarship
How to Apply: Submit an application, answer four questions about the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge, create a video, and provide two references.
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. high school senior or high school graduate enrolled in an approved trade program; must demonstrate strong work ethic and responsibility
Amount: $1,000 to $5,000
Deadline: October 31, 2026
Website: https://mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/
Please note, most scholarship recipients receive $2,500 or less, and only 0.1% of undergraduate students receive $25,000 or more in scholarship funds. Scholarships are one of many sources of funding for college, including savings, current income, and federal and private loans. To learn about the variety of ways to pay for college, visit our Paying for College webpage.
Jenni Espinal is a sophomore at Cristo Rey Boston High School with a strong interest in psychology and neuroscience. She hopes to build a career helping people better understand themselves and the way their minds work. Jenni joined MEFA as an intern in the fall of 2025.
