If you enjoy working with your hands, solving problems, and making things and hate the thought of sitting behind a desk all day, learning a trade might be the right career path for you.
Trades jobs are in high demand and there’s a growing shortage of skilled trades workers. In many trade jobs, the average hourly wage is higher than $20 per hour – and experienced workers with specialist certifications often make much more than this – which means you can make a very decent living.
The thing is, while trade school is typically much, much cheaper than attending a four-year college, you’ll usually still have to cough up a couple hundred or thousand dollars.
That’s why we’ve rounded up 19 of the top trade scholarships available in Minnesota so you can save money and avoid debt while embarking on this exciting new adventure.
One of the best things about a trades career is that the more you’re willing to learn and work hard to gain new, specialist, and in-demand skills, the higher your earning potential.
Many trades can be learned on the job and require only a high school diploma to get started, but having a formal qualification will make you a more desirable candidate for many employers. Not only that, but your starting salary will also be higher.
So what are you waiting for? Check out the trade scholarships below and start applying!
Below, we’ve outlined 19 of the top trade career scholarships available in Minnesota. These opportunities could save you thousands of dollars, so click the links below to apply.
1355 W Main St Anoka, Minnesota
Many Anoka Technical College students receive scholarships every year. In fact, students often graduate from Anoka Tech nearly debt-free due to college scholarships. Scholarships for Anoka Technical College students are made possible by financial contributions received from alumni, businesses, foundations, and other friends of the institution.
Made possible through Minnesota State legislation, a limited number of $2,500 scholarships are available to new students seeking a certificate, diploma, or degree in:
To be considered, students must be new to Anoka Tech (beginning fall 2020) or recipients of a 2019-2020 Workforce Development Scholarship and enrolled in a minimum of 9 credits each semester and maintaining a 2.0 GPA.
Scholarships will be awarded based on eligibility on a first-come, first-serve basis until all of the funds are allocated.
$2,500 per recipient
Minnesota
While “college readiness” is the typical high school anthem, not all students are an ideal fit for that path. Many have a skillset and mindset that destines them to be successful in other challenging and rewarding careers like CNC machining, electrical engineering, and automotive.
A career path in trades and manufacturing offers both a compelling value proposition and a different sense of job satisfaction than the typical four-year college route – but the college-for-all push has kept many students from pursuing it. We firmly believe that these careers should be pursued by the best and the brightest among Generation Z!
Many employers are struggling to find workers because there aren’t enough young people entering the skilled labor pool. To help fill that pool and provide opportunities for all students, BridgeWorks has established the Trades Ambassador Scholarship in partnership with the Minneapolis Foundation.
BridgeWorks’ initial commitment toward this program is $25,000 annually from 2019-2022. This program will provide scholarships for students desiring a career in manufacturing and trades through the pursuit of AAS degrees and diplomas at Anoka Technical College, Century College, Dakota County Technical College, Dunwoody College of Technology, Hennepin Technical College, Minneapolis College, or Saint Paul College. (For more information on these schools, check out the Career Training Board.) In addition, BridgeWorks employees will serve as mentors to these students throughout their education. High school students who are interested in applying for the Trades Ambassador Scholarship should email tradescholar@generations.com for more information and an application.
This program will provide scholarships for students desiring a career in manufacturing and trades through the pursuit of AAS degrees and diplomas.
High school students interested in a career in trades and manufacturing can apply for the Trades Ambassador Scholarship.
Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Federal Pell Grant.)
You are not eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant if you are incarcerated in a federal or state penal institution or are subject to an involuntary civil commitment upon completion of a period of incarceration for a forcible or nonforcible sexual offense.
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances. Find out why you might have to repay all or part of a federal grant.
The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $6,345 for the 2020-21 award year
The amount you receive will depend on:
Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not yet earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree.
To apply, start by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. You will have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.
In certain situations, an eligible student can receive up to 150 percent of his or her scheduled Pell Grant award for an award year.
For example, if you are eligible for a $2,000 Pell Grant for the award year and are enrolled full-time for both the fall term and spring term, you’ll likely receive $1,000 in the fall and $1,000 in the spring. However, under certain circumstances, you may be eligible to receive up to an additional $1,000 for attendance in an additional term within that award year (resulting in your receiving 150% of your original award). You might hear this situation being referred to as “year-round Pell.” For details, contact your school’s financial aid office.
You may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.
818 Dunwoody Boulevard Minneapolis, Minnesota
At Dunwoody, we believe the world needs more resourceful, highly-skilled problem solvers who are passionate about designing, building, making, and fixing things. Dunwoody’s High School Engagement Scholarship celebrates students who have been involved in industry-related programs, clubs, and organizations in high school.
These scholarships are awarded to Dunwoody students who have demonstrated a continuing interest in engineering, design, automotive, computers, and robotics, and manufacturing through participation in related high school programs, clubs, and organizations.
Dunwoody recognizes the importance of fostering an interest in technology and design-related fields at an early age. The High School Engagement Scholarship was established in recognition of the College’s continuing efforts to encourage young men and women to pursue these types of careers.
Up to $2,000
818 Dunwoody Boulevard Minneapolis, Minnesota
Women in Technical Careers is a scholarship program designed to help female students succeed in a technical degree program at Dunwoody College of Technology and launch into a great career.
The program includes:
818 Dunwoody Boulevard Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Construction Career Pathway Scholarship at Dunwoody College of Technology is designed to prepare high-potential, underserved and under-resourced individuals from a diverse population for lifelong careers as leaders, managers, and tradespeople in the construction industry.
Our mission is to work with employers to provide industry education, mentorship, and financial support that will result in earning an associate’s degree, successful employment, and a strong career development plan.
A two-year scholarship award of up to $10,000 per year for full-time students in the
Construction Sciences & Building Technology programs:
818 Dunwoody Boulevard Minneapolis, Minnesota
Dunwoody College of Technology’s Youth Career Awareness Program (YCAP) started in 1988. Since then, YCAP has assisted more than 1,300 students.
YCAP’s Mission is to:
A scholarship of up to $10,000/year for two years.
9000 Brooklyn Boulevard Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
The following HTC Foundation scholarships are available at Hennepin Technical College in Minneapolis, Minnesota:
Recipients do not have to be eligible for financial aid to be considered for a scholarship. Special consideration will be given to students who have received an award letter from HTC. The Hennepin Technical College Financial Aid code is 010491.
HTC Foundation scholarships are included in the total financial aid award and may impact other forms of financial aid. Whenever possible, loan assistance is adjusted first. Work-study positions may also need to be adjusted when a scholarship is awarded.
The selection committee may request verification of attendance, academic progress, and class standing from the college.
Scholarship awards are to be used for the current semester only unless designated by the donor as continuing scholarships.
Scholarship awards will be used to offset the cost of tuition and fees and will be credited to the student’s tuition account. If the award is greater than the balance due, a check will be issued to the student.
Decisions of the HTC Foundation Scholarship committee are final. The selection committee handles all application information in a professional and confidential manner.
Scholarship recipients will be notified of their award via their college email and must sign and return a Scholarship Terms and Conditions and Release and Authorization form before the scholarship is awarded. Recipients are also required to write a thank-you note to the donor.
Variable
9000 Brooklyn Boulevard Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Hennepin Technical College offers one of the lowest tuition rates in the Twin Cities area; costing the average full-time student around $5,232 per year. The Hennepin Technical College Foundation offers various scholarship opportunities that can make your education even more affordable and attainable.
The Hennepin Technical College Foundation's Promise Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 for high-achieving students from underrepresented communities.
$1,000-$5,000
935 Olson Memorial Hwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405, United States
Although tuition at Summit Academy OIC is $7,050 for 20 weeks, you will have no out-of-pocket expenses to cover tuition and there are no textbooks to purchase. Our financial aid office is committed to administering gift aid to ensure that your Summit Academy OIC tuition is fully covered. As an institution, we do not participate in Federal and State Student Loan programs, so there are no loans to pay back.
Gift aid comes in the form of grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid. Funding comes from the federal government through the Department of Education, and the Minnesota State Government through the Office of Higher Education.
Full tuition and textbooks.
1515 S Robert St, West St Paul, MN 55118, United States
The LeadMN Leadership Scholarship rewards emerging student leaders for their community service and their academic achievement. LeadMN Leadership Scholarship winners serve their community in many ways–everything from mentoring Head Start students to organizing youth groups to volunteering as a translator.
Varies according to circumstances.
1450 Energy Park Dr #350, St Paul, Minnesota
State Grants help students from low- and moderate-income families pay for educational expenses at eligible Minnesota colleges or universities.
Eligible institutions include the state universities, the University of Minnesota, public community and technical colleges, schools of nursing and related health professions, private colleges, and private career institutions in Minnesota. For more information, contact the financial aid office at the school the student is attending or wishes to attend.
State Grants may not be used at out-of-state schools. However, Minnesota has tuition reciprocity agreements with several states and one Canadian province that may help reduce the price of a student's higher education.
The maximum award for 2018-2019 ranged from about $7,845 at a public two-year college to $12,345 at a private four-year college. The average award is approximately $2,603. The minimum award is $100 per year.
Minnesota residents who:
Students who are in default on a student loan or who are more than 30 days behind on child support owed to a public agency are NOT eligible unless they have established payment plans with the appropriate agency and made a series of on-time monthly payments. Click here for more information on reestablishing eligibility for financial aid after a federal student loan default.
Students may receive State Grants for four consecutive full-time quarters or three consecutive semesters during the course of a single fiscal year.
State Grants are limited to:
Students must reapply each year to be considered for a grant. A State Grant can be renewed for up to six full-time semesters or nine quarters (or their equivalent). However, the student must make satisfactory progress and demonstrate financial need as defined in state law.
To receive the full amount of the State Grant, the applicant must be a full-time student (registered for at least 15 credits per term). Less than full-time students will have their price of attendance prorated based on the actual number of credits. However, the parent or student contribution used in the award formula is NOT reduced if the student takes fewer credits, so a student who is eligible for an award at 15 credits may not qualify at a lower enrollment level.
Part-time students with three or more credits can be considered for a State Grant. However, students are encouraged to complete their degrees as quickly as possible by registering for as many credits as they can handle each term.
235 Marshall Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota
The Friends of Saint Paul College Foundation raises money for scholarships for Saint Paul College students for fall, spring, and summer terms. Unlike a student loan, a scholarship is a gift that is not paid back.
Not every student who applies receives a scholarship. If you do not receive one, you may re-apply for the next term. If you do receive a scholarship, you need to re-apply the following term if you want another one. There are more students who apply than dollars available. The selection of scholarship recipients is competitive.
You are notified before the start of a term if you will receive a scholarship. The actual dollars are deposited into your student account after the final add/drop date for the semester. Your scholarship dollars can be used for tuition, books/tools, or other living expenses.
Varies according to circumstances.
Qualification criteria vary from scholarship to scholarship.
235 Marshall Avenue Saint Paul, Minnesota
Saint Paul College is offering 85 new scholarships of $2,500 ($1250 Fall 2020/$1250 Spring 2021) for the 2020-2021 Academic Year. These scholarships are funded by the State of Minnesota and the Friends of Saint Paul College Foundation. The scholarship can be renewed for the second year of the program.
The Minnesota Legislature created the Workforce Development Scholarships in 2017 for students enrolled in high demand career programs at Minnesota community and technical colleges. The Legislature and the Saint Paul College Foundation have continued their commitment to the program with additional funding.
$2,500
1501 Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Minneapolis College Foundation offers scholarships to Minneapolis Community & Technical College students for the Fall and Spring terms. Generous donors to the Foundation help make these opportunities possible.
The number of students receiving private support is constantly increasing as we continue our scholarship fundraising drive. These scholarships are highly competitive, and decisions are based on a very careful assessment of each student’s submitted application by the Scholarship Committee.
Scholarships are typically awarded for one academic year unless otherwise noted. In most cases, recipients must reapply for any subsequent years. Please note that we have many more applicants for scholarships than we have funds to award, so not all students will receive a scholarship.
Varies according to circumstances.
Qualification criteria vary from scholarship to scholarship.
1501 Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Power of YOU program makes the first two years at Minneapolis College tuition-free for eligible 2020 high school graduates. It covers the cost of tuition and fees for two years at Minneapolis College through state and federal grants and private scholarships. The Power of YOU supports as many students as possible based on student need and funds available for the program.
Full tuition.
The Career & Technical Scholarship Program is funded through the Horatio Alger Endowment Fund and the generosity of Association Chairman Emeritus and Endowment Fund President Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarships are awarded to students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their lives who wish to pursue a career or technical education at an accredited non-profit post-secondary institution in the United States.
$2,500
3300 Century Ave N, White Bear Lake, MN 55110, United States
Thanks to Legislative funding, the $2,500 Workforce Development Scholarships are available for new Century College students pursuing careers in the eligible degrees, diplomas, and certificates listed below. These give students the skill sets to enter into high-demand occupations after graduation.
$2,500
Preference will be given to students who are:
To be eligible for a Century College Foundation Scholarship, you must register for the minimum number of credits required by your scholarship and you must continue to meet all other criteria of the scholarship
Disbursement Policy: Scholarships are prorated between the fall and spring semesters. This means you will receive half of your scholarship to go towards paying for Fall tuition and the other half will go towards Spring Semester. If a student does only attended one semester during the academic year, the remaining funds will be re-awarded. If an alternate student does not qualify, the funds will be returned to the scholarship account.
1540 Northway Drive St. Cloud, Minnesota
Minnesota State and St. Cloud Community & Technical College are awarding $2,500 scholarships to new students in select programs. The application window for this scholarship is now open.
Qualifying programs:
$2500
To be eligible to receive a $2,500 scholarship you must:
Second-semester funding:
Did you receive a Workforce Development Scholarship last year?
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