Recently, DEWALT revealed the recipients of its 2024 DEWALT Trades Scholarship. This scholarship is available to students pursuing education and a career in the trades. The scholarship is intended to help encourage and support high school students in entering the trade industry.
Key takeaways include:
- This year, the program awarded $200,000 in scholarships to 40 students across the U.S. and Canada to support trades education in fields ranging from electrical to carpentry.
- The annual program is part of DEWALT's Grow The Trades initiative, a $30 million commitment over five years to close the skilled trades gap in the U.S.
- DEWALT is also encouraging high school seniors who have made the decision to attend trade schools after graduation to post their decision on social media using the hashtag #tradeproud.
- The winners represent 23 states and two provinces and students pursuing 15 different fields including electrical, carpentry, construction, HVAC, and welding.
Scholar Spotlights
Claire and Emma U.
Claire and Emma U. are sisters, triplets, who grew up aspiring to be like their dad who works in the automotive industry as both a mechanic and an educator at the local community college.
"It wasn't a matter of if I was going into the trades, it was a matter of which trade I would go into," said Emma.
The sisters are attending Southeast Community College: Milford Campus in Nebraska where Claire will study automotive technology and Emma will study auto collision repair technology.
After finishing their education, they plan to open their own auto shop together in their hometown of Milford.
David G.
David G. of Florida will be attending Indian River State College studying welding. He was inspired to join the trades after a teacher encouraged him in high school and he aspires to become a supervisor in the welding field.
Meleana A.
Meleana A. of Hawaii will be attending the University of Hawaii: Hawaii Community College studying automotive technology.
"I want to advocate for more opportunities on my island for women to see trades as an option and an opportunity you can find success in," said Meleana.
Jovanni E.
Jovanni E. of Washington is attending Perry Technical Institute, studying Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC/R).
"I hope to complete this training with the right amount of knowledge and confidence so that I am able to give some of that knowledge to my small community of Mabton," said Jovanni.
Show Your Trade Pride
When graduating high school seniors commit to their college of choice, they typically post their decisions on social media. DEWALT is inviting high school seniors attending a trade school to also join in on the tradition. DEWALT is encouraging future trade students to choose from a variety of free downloadable digital banners, using the hashtag #tradeproud on their posts and tagging DEWALT.
