Is it possible that, even in 2015, there still exists such an antiquated misconception as ” scholarships are only for class valedictorians and top athletic prospects”? Unfortunately, I think that is something many still believe, and the reason that many deserving scholarship candidates never even bother to search.
Let’s see if we can dispel this out-of-date myth by exploring the world of vocational scholarships , for those who not inclined or interested in the postsecondary pursuit of becoming a doctor, lawyer or accountant. S ome scholarships are for students who didn’t set the school record for touchdown passes or excel in basketball or baseball to the extent that colleges came to their homes to recruit them. The following are some more blue-collar options , both general scholarships and those dedicated to specific career paths.
[Learn the five people you haven’t asked about college scholarships.]
— G eneral V ocational S cholarships: The Bernard E. Dillon Vocational Skills Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship for vocational or technical training offered annually. Named after past American Military Retirees Association National President Bernard E. Dillon, this scholarship is for post-high school students attending vocational-technical classes at an accredited vocational-technical school. Five awards are given out each year and the deadline to apply is March 1, 2016.
The California Strawberry Scholarship is awarded to children of current California strawberry field workers. The parent must be a current employee and also have worked as a California strawberry field worker for the prior two harvest seasons.
Other requirements are that the applicant must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and enrollment in a trade school, community college, four-year university or graduate/professional program during the period for which scholarship is requested.Total awards range between $400 and $5,000 and the deadline to apply is Feb. 15, 2016.
[Find college scholarship support from labor unions.]
— Nursing and health occupations scholarships: Though these certainly can and should also be classified as medical scholarships, they are also thought of as vocational due to the much quicker path to degree and subsequent employment than that of becoming a doctor. This should not imply they are not as, if not more, important than any other pursuit in the medical field.
There are plenty of nursing scholarships, too. For example, the Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship is a one-time $2,500 scholarship awarded to three students who are in financial need and who are accepted and enrolled into an accredited school of nursing. Applications should be sent in by Feb. 10, 2016.
— Automotive scholarships: Learning how to diagnose and repair automobiles is something many people once learned growing up around mechanics and absorbing the tricks of the trade the old-fashioned way. These days, while this is still an option, there are computers involved in modern vehicles and things have become a bit more complex as a result. Also, you will likely need access to one or more computers in order to find out what is ailing a particular automobile.
There are special schools you can attend to get an education in automotive repair, many of which will offer scholarships. There are also other scholarships offered by organizations.
For example, consider the SAE/Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies Scholarship . To qualify, you must be a U.S. resident, a current high school senior and have a 3.0 or better grade-point average on a 4.0 scale. You must also be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in an accredited engineering or technology program and be a past or present student in either a Ford Next Generation Learning Community or a Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies program.
One $5,000 scholarship is awarded each year, and the application deadline is Jan. 15.
[Remember to think locally to boost your scholarship odds.]
— Plumbing scholarships: T here are scholarships for plumbing , too. HVAC and plumbing in particular are huge industries with plenty of opportunity for an enjoyable and lucrative career, so naturally there are organizations who have devoted themselves to helping our future plumbers get the appropriate education and training to become dedicated professionals in the field.
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials Scholarship Essay Contest is a $1,000 scholarship that includes publication of the winner’s essay to the association’s website. Interested students should apply before the May 1, 2016 deadline.
Applicants must be a current high school senior or enrolled or accepted as a full-time — equivalent to 12 credit hours — student in an accredited technical school, community college, trade school, four-year accredited college or university or an apprentice program.
More from U.S. News
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