Best Scholarships for Trade Schools in 2026

Think scholarships for trade schools are hard to find or not worth it? Think again. In 2026, there’s a wave of high-paying, career-launching scholarships that could fund your entire trade school journey, and most students have no idea they exist. From welding and automotive tech to healthcare and electrical work, these scholarships aren’t just money they’re your fast track to a future-proof profession. Ready to uncover the best scholarships for trade schools that could change your life without a four-year degree? You’re about to find out what everyone else is missing.

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Why a Trade Major is the Smartest Move in 2026

Due to the growing demand for skilled workers across a wide range of disciplines, skilled trades have grown more and more lucrative. The need for trained individuals to emerge from post-secondary trades education is growing as infrastructure expands and baby boomers retire. There are numerous ways to approach the trades, such as two-year institutions that specialize in a particular trade, four-year colleges and or advanced degree programs that focus on a particular trade, and initiatives that involve community college.

Paying for post-secondary education can be difficult, particularly in sectors where unpaid apprenticeships are sometimes required. Support from the foundation frequently enables trade school students to have the practice and opportunities they need to fully immerse themselves in their profession and gain the requisite work experience without needing to take on additional occupations to supplement their income. These kinds of scholarships for trade schools provide students the advantage they need to pursue these and other fascinating career options.

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Best Scholarships for Trade Schools in 2026

1. Jim “Buddha” Potts Memorial Veterans – A Troops to Trades Scholarship

• Award Amount: Up to $10,000

Everyone had a friend named Jim Potts. Jim, also known by his nickname Buddha, was a highly decorated warrior who served two tours in Vietnam and was awarded multiple honors, including the Purple Heart. After serving in the military, he improved the lives of contractors by mentoring them and teaching them business savvy and useful financial skills.

Two Troops to Trades Scholarships are available from the Nextstar Media Group Foundation, including the Jim “Buddha” Potts Memorial Veterans Scholarship. Applications for this scholarships for trade schools are open to veterans, transitioning military people, National Guard members, and Reserve members seeking employment in the home plumbing, heating, cooling, or electrical service sector. Applications are encouraged from all seniors in high school.

2. John J. MacGregor Scholarship

• Award Amount: Up to $10,000

John J. MacGregor was a union-trained master plumber who aspired to establish a family-run plumbing business founded on integrity and client pleasure. In 1962, after leaving his hometown of Detroit, he and one apprentice established MacGregor Plumbing Company in rural Michigan when the time was perfect. Children with impairments were supported and mentored by John. He worked very hard to teach young people from all walks of life the crafts.

The John J. MacGregor Vocational School Scholarship is one of four scholarships for trade schools named after donors. These can be obtained via the scholarship application portal on the Nextstar Foundation website and are given to students on the basis of merit and skill. All Nextstar awards, including the John J. MacGregor Scholarship, will be available to the applicant through the combined application process. We encourage all high school students to apply.

3. ASHRAE Undergraduate Engineering Scholarships

Award Amount $3000-$10,000

Establishing industry standards and fostering expertise in the area, the Association for the Science of HVAC, Refrigeration, and Engineering is a membership organization. By advancing the science of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration while paying close attention to how serving mankind comes first, ASHRAE works to create a more sustainable world. With almost 60,000 members worldwide, ASHRAE takes pride in being a pioneer in raising industry standards via system design and education.

For engineering or pre-engineering students, ASHRAE provides one of the  distinct scholarships for trade schools. Undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Science or Engineering degree in a program designed to prepare them for the HVAC/R sector and enrolled full-time in a post-secondary institution are eligible to receive scholarships. Applicants should maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or be positioned within the top 30% of their graduating class to qualify.

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4. Frank J. Blau Jr. Scholarship

• Award Amount: $7000

The founder of the Milwaukee-based Blau Plumbing company, Frank J. Blau Jr., is now a well-known personality in the contractor mentoring and philanthropic sectors in addition to his leadership in the plumbing contracting sector. Blau travels the world to assist contractors in determining the appropriate selling price and implementing flat rate pricing, with a focus on tradespeople’s health and safety. Blau has been most proud of his capacity to improve the lives of contractors across since he began this vocational school scholarship in 1992.

The Frank J. Blau Jr. scholarship, which is permanently supported by the Nextstar Legacy Foundation, is designed for trade school students who want to pursue a four-year degree in business administration, mechanical engineering, marketing, or any other business function associated with operating an electrical, plumbing, or HVAC company. Each year, exceptional students receives this $7,000 scholarships for trade schools, which is given out in two installments during the academic year, September and January, to especially assist with tuition and other costs associated with the start of the semester. We encourage all seniors in high school to apply.

5. ACCE- Dupree Construction Education Fund Scholarship

• Award Amount is $5000

Similar to the National Housing Endowment Scholarship and the Dupree Construction Education Fund, candidates must be admitted into a master’s or doctoral program in a construction-related trade school at an institution with an ACCE-accredited program. Prior to being among scholarships for trade schools, applicants must submit their academic records and expense information.

6. AC Pro HVAC Scholarship- A Troops to Trades Scholarship

• Award Amount is $5000

AC Pro has been providing the United States with high-quality air conditioning solutions at affordable prices for more than 30 years. They also train tradespeople in the newest technologies and best practices. As a company that employs thousands of HVAC professionals and manufacturers, AC Pro prioritizes employee care and upholds the fundamental principles of honesty, civility, and service.

In keeping with this philosophy, AC Pro provides scholarships for trade schools to veterans of the armed forces who are returning to civilian life with the goal of succeeding in a fulfilling skills program. The scholarship’s goal states that soldiers naturally possess qualities like loyalty and hard labor, and they hope to instill these values in tradesmen as well. One Troops to Trades veteran who participates in an HVAC technical training program each year and who embodies these fundamental principles will have the chance to acquire the skills necessary to start a fulfilling career outside of uniform thanks to their $5,000 AC Pro Scholarship in financial aid.

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7. The Dupree Construction Education Fund/NHE Scholarship

• Award Amount: $5000

One of the best scholarships for trade schools, In addition to promoting, supporting, and accrediting high-quality construction education programs, the American Council for Construction Education aims to be a leading global champion for high-quality technical college education in the construction industry. They accomplish this by promoting safe industry standards, accrediting colleges and universities that seek to train professionals in the construction sector, and keeping an up-to-date list of accreditation requirements and standards for vocational school institutions that want to get accredited.

The NHE scholarship requires applicants to be admitted into a Masters or PhD program relevant to construction at a university with an ACCE-accredited program, just like the American Council for Construction Education Dupree Construction Education Fund Scholarship. Candidates are anticipated to teach in community colleges or vocational school programs accredited by the ACCE. It is also necessary to have a proven history of experience working in the home building sector in the United States. We urge high school students who require financial aid to apply.

8. Women in Skilled Trades Scholarship Program – RSI

• Award Amount: $3000

The Refrigeration School is a Phoenix, Arizona-based trade school that has been in operation for more than 50 years. RSI has an affiliation relationship with The University of Phoenix and offers hybrid alternatives for certain programs, although most of its programs solely offer on-campus vocational school education. A highly focused trade school, RSI is regionally accredited and provides a limited number of programs for students who are driven to pursue careers in the trades.

Female students at RSI who have shown a need for financial aid can apply for the Women in Skilled scholarships for trade schools program. Applications are accepted all year long, however the scholarship’s grant date is contingent on the applicant’s enrollment date. This scholarship is open to any female vocational school students who are now enrolled in or plan to enroll at The Refrigeration Vocational School in Phoenix, Arizona. We urge high school students who require financial aid to apply.

9. FACT Trade/Technical School Scholarship

• Award Amount: $2500

A non-profit membership discount organization, the Federation of American Consumers and Travelers seeks to give its members and their immediate families an affordable option for health care and medical services, insurance, travel, and college financial aid. Currently, FACT provides free road maps and healthcare discounts to about 500,000 Americans countrywide. Every year, they provide more than $75,000 through their Educational Grant Program.

Four times a year, applicants who are FACT members or whose parents or close relatives are members are given the FACT trade school and technical school scholarship. The application pool is always available, and any submissions submitted at any point during the year will be considered for the subsequent awards cycle. Vocational school students who plan to enroll in a trade school or tech school in the following autumn semester are eligible to apply. FACT is one of the best scholarships for trade schools for authorized connected fees, books, and tuition. To continue receiving the cash, a student receiving a FACT scholarship must maintain a “C” GPA of 2.0.

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10. Home Depot Homer Fund Scholarship

Award Amount: $2500

The Home Depot is the most well-known brand in the home improvement sector. With the intention of becoming the biggest hardware and home improvement superstores in the US, The Home Depot was founded in 1978. Since the grand opening of its first two locations in Atlanta, Georgia, the company has valued giving back to the community.

To support their mission to provide housing and homeownership to the most vulnerable members of our society, The Home Depot Foundation has partnered with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, honored veterans, sent its own employees to college or vocational school, and supported disaster relief efforts.

The foundation wants to go on with its original, primary objective of giving back to the communities that enable its work through the Home Depot scholarships for trade schools, which is open to Home Depot Associates and their kids who have worked at the company for a year, gives $2,500 to 1,000 vocational school students each. Recipients can also apply in subsequent years. We encourage all seniors in high school to apply.

11. PHCC Educational Foundation

• Award Amount: $2500

To remain a highly skilled and sustainable profession, the plumbing, heating, and cooling business needs fresh talent. In order to help students in the aforementioned trades achieve their academic objectives and succeed in their line of work, the PHCC Educational Foundation was established as one of the best scholarships for trade schools. Every year, 41 scholarships are given out, including to students enrolled in online eLearning programs at trade schools. Apprentices whose employers cover their tuition are still invited to apply; the victors will benefit their parent firm by having their tuition expenses deducted in addition to feeling a sense of success.

Eligible candidates must be employed full-time by a licensed contractor in an HVAC/R or plumbing apprentice program affiliated with the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors-National-Association. Additionally, they must be enrolled in or in the process of enrolling in a full-time degree program in a plumbing, heating, or cooling-related field at a trade school or an approved two-year community college. A referral letter from a Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors-National-Association member and a letter from a high school principal or vocational school administration are also necessary. Students in high school who want to enroll in a trade school are encouraged to apply.

12. NAWIC Founders Scholarships

Award Amount: $500 to $2500

To support and encourage women working in construction and help them further their education beyond the most basic, the National Association of Women in Construction established the Founders Scholarship fund in 1963. Having grown from a small group of women who founded Women in Construction of Fort Worth in 1955, NAWIC members can now benefit from opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training, public service, and more in regional chapters across the United States.

Women pursuing degrees in construction may think about applying for these beneficial scholarships for trade schools opportunities, which include two national scholarships and numerous regional chapter grants. The undergraduate scholarship and the building trades scholarship are the two regional awards. For both of these, candidates must be enrolled full-time in a construction-related field. Only applicants who are based in the United States and have a 3.0 GPA or above are eligible for the undergraduate award.

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13. Women in HVAC/R Scholarship

• Award Amount: $2000

The Women in HVAC/R Association was created to help women succeed in this traditionally male-dominated sector by removing obstacles in their path. Nearly 100,000 new skilled workers are currently needed in the business, and groups like this one are pushing women to lead the way. one of the best scholarships for trade schools, a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year university, and an online education program that encompasses heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration are the three $2,000 scholarships that WHVACR gives each year.

Women in high school or college who are prepared to enter the HVAC/R field through one of the aforementioned channels are eligible to apply for any of the WHVAC/R scholarships. All applicants must submit authentic transcripts attesting to a GPA of 2.0 or above. There are other essay questions about long-term personal objectives, the value of going to a vocational school in a field like this in the modern world, and the reasons behind choosing this line of work. Each of these brief writings needs to be sent by email or USPS mail with a cover letter. We urge high school students who require financial aid to apply.

14. American Fire Sprinkler Association

• Award Amount: $2000

Educating the public on the life-saving benefits of automatic fire sprinklers is the primary goal of the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA). Through a variety of strategies, such as conducting seminars and trainings, providing schools with more information, clearing up misconceptions regarding fire safety, and assisting contractors in putting life-saving methods and technologies into practice, they fulfill this special purpose.

In addition to the Second Chance Scholarship, the AFSA provides one of the best scholarships for trade schools to high school seniors who intend to enroll in a trade school program at an approved college, university, or trade school in order to fulfill this purpose throughout the United States. By the autumn semester of the application year, the student must be enrolled full-time, and the $2,000 scholarship will be given directly to the school. Homeschooled students are eligible to apply if their education is equivalent to that of a senior in high school, although AFSA board members and their immediate family are not.

15. Association of Energy Engineers Foundation Scholarships

• Award Amount: $1000-$2000

The Association of Energy Engineers Foundation was established in 1981 with the goal of promoting professional development and knowledge in the domains of energy engineering and energy management.Without a little help from a company like AEE, professionals would be unable to stay up to date with best practices given how quickly technology is developing. If you are pursuing an energy degree, the AEE Foundation offers four distinct trade school scholarships in addition to other chances through regional organizations.

The remaining $1,000 AEE Scholarships will be awarded in ranking order to as many applicants as possible until the end of the fiscal year. The CWEEL scholarships for trade schools provide $1,000 to the two most outstanding female nominees, $2,000 to the second most outstanding nominee, and $2,000 to the most excellent nominee: the Al Thumann Scholarship.

The applicant must use their local AEE chapter to apply for these scholarships for trade schools; if there isn’t a local chapter, they must use the national website. The FAEE Scholarship process, which may be downloaded from their website, and the FAEE Constitution and Bylaws must be understood by applicants.

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16. Jill Reed Women in Trades Scholarship

Award Amount: $2000

Jill Reed was a creative marketing specialist who helped numerous home care providers. Founded in 1997, RedClick Marketing began as a specialized call center and marketing agency dedicated to supporting contractors in the heating, air conditioning, and electrical industries. Jill assisted her clients at RedClick in determining what generated revenue, what worked, and what turned a profit.

Following her tragic passing, Marty and Carol Donnelly established the $2,000 Jill Reed Memorial scholarships for trade schools, which is intended exclusively for women pursuing marketing, trade school, or vocational education programs with a desire to work in the trades. Supporting women’s ambitions to reach their full potential while promoting trades and careers online has been one of Jill’s most important accomplishments.

17. Merchants Exchange of Portland Scholarship

Award Amount: Up to $2000

The Merchant Maritime Exchange Scholarships for trade schools was established to encourage vocational school students pursuing distinction in relevant professions, therefore advancing maritime affairs and international trade. The candidate must be enrolled in a post-secondary degree that focuses on international trade and/or maritime affairs and lasts either two or four years. If they are enrolled in a four-year college, they must have earned enough credit hours to be considered in their third year of study.

The Merchants Exchange of Portland Scholarship requires applicants to apply online. A recommendation letter from a professor or direct supervisor and a transcript showing a 2.5 GPA or higher in academic standing must be included with the application. Merit and score level determine how much money is awarded for scholarships. Books, tuition, and other costs associated with trade school programs might all be covered by the grant. Every high school student who wants to attend technical school should submit an application.

18. Dwyer Group Women in Trades Scholarship

• Award Amount: $1500

Numerous franchise trade businesses that have gained widespread recognition, such as Molly Maids and Mr. Rooter, are owned by the global franchise conglomerate, The Dwyer Group. Founder Don Dwyer started figuring out a way to succeed by using his live R.I.C.H. philosophy (respect, integrity, customer satisfaction, and having fun) and self-motivation after realizing that owning a franchise is the best first move an entrepreneur can do. The company has been able to weather numerous economic ups and downs thanks to this mentality, which has also allowed them to give back to the communities where they are most dedicated to seeing tradespeople flourish.

The Dwyer Group provides scholarships to women in trades, which are to be paid to the approved trades school of the woman’s choosing. This is in line with the company’s dedication to excellence in these franchise disciplines as well as to trades people who are frequently underappreciated in their industry. Twice a year, a total of six women get this $1,500 prize. By March 31 or November 15, the awardees will have obtained two letters of recommendation and submitted a 1,000-word essay, either in letter or video style, explaining how the scholarship will help her pursue a career in trades.

A single entry date is all that each application is valid for. According to the guidelines for the scholarships for trade schools, the winners must be actively working toward a degree or certification in a Dwyer Group-supported trade (a list is available on their website) or have worked full-time in a professional trades position for at least a year. Before submitting an application for a vocational school scholarship, candidates will be assessed on their financial need, prior work experience, and desire to succeed in their field.

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19. Shear Comfort Scholarship for Automotive Engineering

• Award Amount: $1500

Shear Comfort is really good at two things. The first is creating the best car seat covers available today using premium materials that are specially made to fit the seats of cars, trucks, and SUVs. Their dedication to helping students succeed in the automobile business is even more admirable than their impressive dedication to industry excellence. Offering a fantastic scholarships for trade schools twice a year to students pursuing degrees in automotive engineering or auto mechanics is their second strong suit.

In 300–600 words, candidates must respond to the essay prompt, “What will be the largest technological development in the automotive industry within the next 5–10 years and how do you plan to be a part of it?” If required, the applicant must be able to provide documentation of their enrollment in a vocational school for automotive engineering or a related sector. We urge high school students who require financial aid to apply.

20. American Society of Plumbing Engineers

• Award Amount: $1000

The American Society of Plumbing Engineers is the oldest and largest plumbing industry professional association in the world. This organization, which started out as a small group in Southern California in 1964 and has since expanded to over 6,300 members worldwide, supports professionals who are knowledgeable about plumbing system design, specification, and inspection. It is committed to improving public safety and awareness as well as the industry’s progress.

High school seniors and trade school students who are enrolled or wish to enroll in order to pursue a career as plumbing engineers and who share the organization’s principles are eligible to apply for ASPE scholarships for trade schools. While many of the chapter awards are available to any student interested in studying plumbing as a career, some are restricted to a particular trade school program or region.

A comprehensive scholarship application, three letters of recommendation, and a description of personal activities and community involvement are required for the Chicago Chapter scholarship, which, for instance, grants up to two students $1,000 each, paid directly to the college or tech school. By December of the application year, the Board of Directors of the Chicago Chapter of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers will choose the winners.

21. Associated General Contractors of America Workforce Development Scholarship

Award Amount: $1000

Many contractors and related professions in the United States share industry priorities, which are promoted by the Associated General Contractors of America, a membership group. Through lobbying and a nationwide network of regional chapters, AGC monitors the issues that are most important to contractor professionals in order to hold lawmakers accountable to their needs.

The AGC Foundation is one of the best scholarships for trade schools that established an endowment via its members, donors, and chapters that may provide financial support to more than 100 worthy undergraduate and graduate students. AGC selects which trade school students are honored based on factors like as academic achievement, future aspirations, summer or part-time construction work, and industry dedication. More than 4,000 individual trade school scholarships have earned more than $10 million since the foundation’s founding in 1970.

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22. Flax Dental Scholarship

Award Amount: $1000

Flax Dental, a cosmetic dentistry facility located in Atlanta, has been a trailblazer in providing individuals with the smile of their dreams in the Atlanta Metro area. Every employee at Flax Dental has outstanding qualifications and consistently earns more continuing education credits than is necessary. It is a component of Flax Dental’s dedication to education and expectation of quality.

As a continuation of this emphasis on quality and education, Flax Dental offers a $1,000 scholarships for trade schools to Georgia High School seniors who intend to enroll in a two-year community college or trade school in any field. Candidates are required to compose a 400–600 word essay on the subject of “Why My Teacher Makes Me Smile,” showcasing a current or past educator who has had a significant impact on their lives. Both a brief, videotaped interview and a GPA of 3.0 or above are necessary for selection.

23. 2nd Chance Scholarship Contest

• Award Amount: $1000

The primary goal of the American Fire Sprinkler Association is to inform people about the life-saving benefits of automated fire sprinklers. They carry out this special role in a number of ways, such as conducting trainings and seminars, providing schools with extra information, clearing up misconceptions regarding fire safety, and assisting contractors in putting life-saving methods and technologies into practice.

Additionally, they offer fantastic scholarships for trade schools students that are not dependent on geography, GPA, or need. Five winners are chosen at random from the applicant pool to receive $1,000 each for this annual scholarship. The winner’s approved university or trade school receives the financial aid grant straight from AFSA. Visit the AFSA website for a comprehensive list of approved trade schools or institutes.

24. Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship for Automotive Students

• Award Amount: Varies

A group of individuals known as the “Automobile Old Timers” founded the Automotive Hall of Fame because they were committed to preserve the beauty and nostalgia of early cars in contrast to the fast-paced, technologically advanced cars of the future. As Chrysler, General Motors, and Ford were revealing a peek of the future in 1939, the old-timers gathered at the New York World’s Fair and began a collaborative effort to preserve the memory of the groundbreaking cars they had come to adore. Today, tourists from all over the world flock to the automobile hall of fame, which is close to Detroit, The Motor City.

The automobile hall of fame acknowledges the importance of encouraging fresh and creative ways of thinking, even though the traditional approach is what the old-timers value most. In an effort to support the automobile industry, they are offering one of the best scholarships for trade schools. Candidates must have a GPA of 3.0 or above and be enrolled full-time in an authorized community college or trade school pursuing a trade school degree in the automotive industry. The prizes, which can be used to pay for tuition and other costs, are given directly to the trade school.

25. NAHB Professional Women in Building Strategies for Success Scholarship

• Award Amount: Varies

The National Housing Endowment is a non-profit organization that has a greater beneficial impact on the residential construction industry than any other through creative and successful programs that advance education, training, and research in the sector. Through outreach to industry titans and leaders, the endowment has raised over $20 million in donations, which it uses to improve safety, awareness, and accessibility for women and other sometimes overlooked individuals of the construction sector.

Through the endowment, the National Association for Home Builders has provided scholarships to a variety of students to help them receive the kind of education this crucial profession requires through the NAHB Professional Women in Building Strategies for Success Sholarships for trade schools. The Fund was started in 2001 by Austin and Deborah Ferland, former national presidents of the NAHB Professional Women in Building Council, to help women who might not have as much support in the industry as others.

Candidates must be enrolled full-time in a trade school program linked to building or construction and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Women and existing members of a student chapter of the National Association of Home Builders will be given preference. Applicants with an interest in trade school programs are strongly encouraged to submit their applications and take the first step toward a hands-on career path.

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In conclusion, As the demand for skilled trades continues to rise, scholarships for trade schools in 2026 are more valuable and more accessible than ever. Whether you’re a high school senior, a career-changer, or someone eager to enter the workforce quickly, these scholarships can make your education affordable and your goals achievable.

From national foundations to industry-specific awards, the opportunities are diverse and often underutilized. Don’t let financial barriers hold you back from pursuing a rewarding, hands-on career in fields like welding, HVAC, healthcare tech, or carpentry. Start your search early, apply strategically, and take advantage of every resource available. The future of the skilled trades is bright and these scholarships for trade schools could be the key to unlocking your potential. Investing a little time now could open the door to a lifetime of stable, high-paying work.