Scholarships & Opportunities
Scholarships
Washington State & Featured Scholarships
"More Better" Scholarship (In Memory of Marty Lee Ayres)
OPEN
$1,000 (1 Recipient)
Opens: December 6, 2024
Closes: February 28, 2025
- SkillsUSA Member: Must be a member of SkillsUSA
- GPA: Must hold a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Extracurricular Involvement: Candidates are required to actively participate in an extracurricular program.
- 200-Word Essay: Share how you intend to utilize the scholarship funds to be “more better”
Thank you Ayres Family!
"New Year, New Heights" Scholarship
OPEN
$500 (4 Recipients)
Opens: January 1, 2025
Closes: January 31, 2025
- Must be NEW to SkillsUSA
- SkillsUSA Member: Must be a member of SkillsUSA
Rhonda Downing Memorial Scholarship (In Memory of Rhonda Downing)
OPENING SOON
Full SLSC registration cost and accommodation – a +$700 value! (1 Recipient)
Opens: February 7, 2025
Closes: February 16, 2025
The winner will be announced on February 24, 2025.
- Be a Registered SkillsUSA Washington middle or high school student.
- Have received an invitation to participate in the SkillsUSA Washington State Leadership and Skills Conference in a Special Education-related category.
- Submit a compelling essay (500-750 words), or 1 to 3-minute video that articulates how receiving this scholarship will eliminate a significant barrier to their participation in the competition.
- Provide a letter of support from the students SkillsUSA Advisor who can attest to the applicant’s dedication to the contest they are invited to and their potential to excel in the competition.
- Provide a letter from the appropriate school official on school letterhead stating that the contestant is classified under the provisions of Public Law 105-17, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 1997. This letter is also required for participation in the contest. Schools having restrictions on the release of this information may submit a letter on school letterhead of eligibility, which simply states: “I certify that (student name) meets the eligibility requirements for the SkillsUSA Championships (contest name) Signed, (school official).”
Thank you Downing/Scroggins Family!
Road to Atlanta Scholarship
OPENING SOON
$1,000 (2 Recipients)
Opens: April 4, 2025
Closes: June 13, 2025
Requirements:
- SkillsUSA Member: Must be a member of SkillsUSA.
- Recipient must be qualified to attend NLSC
- GPA: Must hold a 3.0 GPA or higher
- 200-Word Essay: Share why you are excited about nationals
Central Welding Supply "Weld Onward" Scholarship
$1,000 (2 Recipients)
Opened: November 1, 2024
Closed: January 1, 2025
- Welding Student: You must be enrolled in a welding program, demonstrating your dedication to mastering this essential skill.
- SkillsUSA Member: Must be a member of SkillsUSA.
- 200-Word Essay: In a brief 200-word essay, share your passion for welding, your goals, and how this scholarship will help you. We want to hear your story and your aspirations.
- Resume: Provide a comprehensive resume that highlights your experiences, achievements, and involvement in the welding field and beyond.
- Transcript: Include your latest academic transcript to demonstrate your commitment to your education.
Thank you Central Welding Supply!
National Scholarships & Grants
Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Clifford “Ted” Rees Memorial Scholarship
OPEN
$2,500
Opened: January 2, 2025
Closes: April 15, 2025
Requirements:
SkillsUSA is America’s proud champion of the skilled trades. Since 2020, the Clifford H. Ted Rees Jr. Scholarship Foundation has contributed $100,000 to SkillsUSA and awarded 36 scholarships to SkillsUSA recipients
Must be a current HVAC student planning to continue study at the college/postsecondary level. Must be an 11th or 12th grade high school student OR college/postsecondary student to apply.
Bob Westphal Memorial Scholarship
OPEN
Various Award Amounts
Opened: January 2, 2025
Closes: May 30, 2025
The SkillsUSA–Bob Westphal Memorial Scholarship provides annual scholarship awards to applicants who demonstrate promise in the construction trades, with an emphasis on sustainability.
Must be a student in an energy construction pathway and planning to continue study at the college/postsecondary level. Must be an 11th or 12th grade high school student OR college/postsecondary student to apply.
The Bob Westphal Memorial Scholarship program was established to honor the memory of Robert H. Westphal (1944-2020) in recognition of his impact on the oil and gas pipeline industry. The program is aimed at assisting students interested in pursuing a career in energy construction. Westphal committed a lifetime of leadership in pipeline construction. He gave back to the industry in many ways, including leadership positions with industry associations and in working with labor organizations.
Fine Homebuilding #KeepCraftAlive Scholarship
OPEN
$2,500
Opened: January 2, 2025
Closes: April 15, 2025
Must be a student in a homebuilding-related pathway (such as plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, electrical, etc.) and planning to continue study at the college/postsecondary level. Must be a grade 11 or 12 high school student OR college/postsecondary student to apply.
Larry Rash Memorial Scholarship
OPEN
$2,500
Opened: January 2, 2025
Closes: April 15, 2025
Requirements:
Must be a student enrolled in an architectural drafting program and planning to continue study at the college/postsecondary level. Must be an 11th or 12th grade high school student.
Larry Rash grew up building with Legos in grade school. As a young adult, he studied drafting and architecture at D. Russell Lee Vocational School near Cincinnati, Ohio, where he also had a co-op position at Steed, Hammond and Paul Architects. He earned a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering technology from the University of Cincinnati in 1982 and gained his registration from the State of Wisconsin in 1996.
Larry worked for Ryland Homes for over 20 years. In 2010, Larry joined Davis Bews Design Group (DBDG) in Tampa, Fla. At DBDG, Larry provided QA reviews of every plan before it left the office. He also researched building codes and provided quality feedback to drafters so they understood the “why” behind specific building requirements and regulations. Larry also regularly attended local builder association meetings and kept staff and clients up to date on changes and trends in the industry.
Larry enjoyed being challenged, and one of his favorite hobbies included visiting and photographing architectural sites in his spare time. His life passion was designing homes where families could live out their dreams. We know that he would be honored to sponsor young individuals pursuing careers in architecture.
Marsha Daves Memorial Scholarship
OPEN
$2,500
Opened: January 2, 2025
Closes: April 15, 2025
Must be a SkillsUSA state officer and high school senior OR college/postsecondary student to apply.
During Marsha Daves’ impactful SkillsUSA career, she served many roles, from SkillsUSA Oklahoma director to SkillsUSA national staff member. She inspired the creation of Oklahoma’s Marsha Daves Lifetime Achievement Award and earned SkillsUSA’s Honorary Life Award. Marsha was an educator, advisor, mentor and friend, and she changed many lives along the way. That legacy continues through this scholarship.
National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Scholarship
OPEN
$1,000
Opened: January 2, 2025
Closes: April 15, 2025
Sharon Melton Myers Memorial Scholarship
OPEN
$1,000
Opened: January 2, 2025
Closes: April 1, 2025
The Sharon Melton Myers Memorial Fund, SkillsUSA and the McMinn County Vocational Center Alumni Association are offering two high school seniors who are members of SkillsUSA a one-time $1,000 scholarship to support the continuance of their education in college or technical school.
Must be a current high school senior. Applicants from all CTE pathways are encouraged to apply.
Sharon Ruth Melton Myers was an active member of the McMinn County Vocational Center SkillsUSA Chapter from 1985 through 1988. During this time, Sharon participated in local, state and national SkillsUSA activities. She served as a local officer in 1986 and 1987, Tennessee state secretary in 1986-87, and president of SkillsUSA’s national officer team in 1987-88. She also participated in her chapter’s Opening and Closing Team in 1986-88. Following graduation from McMinn High in 1988, Sharon continued as a tireless supporter of SkillsUSA, serving as a national officer trainer for several years. She was integral in establishing a Tennessee SkillsUSA Alumni Charter and Constitution while attending David Lipscomb College in Nashville. Sharon was dedicated to the ideals of SkillsUSA and its mission, and her proud legacy continues through this unique scholarship.
SkillsUSA WD-40 Scholarship
OPEN
$1,500
Opened: January 2, 2025
Closes: April 15, 2025
In partnership with SkillsUSA, WD-40 is proudly sponsoring and inspiring the next generation to pursue their passion for skill-related careers. Recognizing the vital role skilled trades play in driving America’s progress, WD-40 is encouraging students to advance their education in these fields by offering ten $1,500 postsecondary scholarships to SkillsUSA members. These scholarships are available to students pursuing education in trade areas such as CNC, HVAC, Electrical Construction Wiring, Welding, Automotive Service Technology, or other Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics fields.
Selection Process:
To be eligible to apply, applicants must:
- Be a registered member of a SkillsUSA chapter
- Be a 12th grader, or current college/postsecondary student
- Be enrolled in CNC, HVAC, Electrical Construction Wiring/Welding/Auto Service technology, or other Transportation Distribution and Logistics
- Plan to continue study of trade at the postsecondary level in the 2025-2026 academic year, or the academic term immediately following high school graduation
Aerotek “Make Your Mark” Scholarship
OPENING SOON
Up to $5,000
RETURNING SPRING 2025
The SkillsUSA-Aerotek “Make Your Mark” Scholarship is returning to support SkillsUSA member educational costs for the FALL 2025 academic term for members in targeted regions and training programs!
If selected to receive a scholarship, the award amount will be based on the selected recipients’ verifiable educational costs for the FALL 2025 term ONLY. The scholarship award will be issued to the recipient’s postsecondary institution to be applied directly to the recipient’s FALL 2025 account balance. If the recipient has expenses that cannot be paid out directly from SkillsUSA to the postsecondary institution or apprenticeship provider, recipients must provide documented proof of educational expenses (receipts for tools purchased or a letter from the institution that lists required tools and total estimated costs) to receive a direct payment or reimbursement for verified educational expenses. If selected, these documents will be required as part of the Scholarship Acceptance Form.
The maximum award amount for any recipient is $5,000. Award funding will only be issued for the education costs that are verified by the recipient.
Event Scholarships
2025 NLSC Travel Scholarship: Harbor Freight Tools for Schools
Opening March 2025
In partnership with Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, SkillsUSA is proud to announce this scholarship opportunity for SkillsUSA high school members competing at the 2025 National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in specific skilled trades or leadership competitions.
Eligible members can apply to receive up to $1,500 to assist in attending the 2025 NLSC. Recipients of scholarship funds must agree to use the funds for reasonable and appropriate costs of travel, lodging, and the cost of registration for the 2025 NLSC, as described in the online application.
Leverage Scholarship: Robert L. Flint Foundation
Opening April 1, 2025
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide support for top students who have insufficient chapter, school or community resources to participate in Leverage, a national-level SkillsUSA leadership training held prior to SkillsUSA’s annual National Leadership & Skills Conference.
Only SkillsUSA state association directors may submit applications for scholarship candidates to attend Leverage. Each state association, including both high school and college/postsecondary associations in applicable states, may submit an application for each state officer on their team. Once nomination applications are received, a panel of SkillsUSA staff and leadership trainers will evaluate the applications and select recipients.
This scholarship is made possible due to a generous contribution from Robert L. Flint, a former Caterpillar executive and longtime supporter of SkillsUSA.
WLTI Scholarship
Deadline: August 15, 2025
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide support for top students who have insufficient chapter, school or community resources to attend SkillsUSA’s Washington Leadership and Training Institute (WLTI). This scholarship is made possible due to a generous contribution from Robert L. Flint, a former Caterpillar executive and longtime supporter of SkillsUSA.
Acceptance is based on student’s resume; description of their school; community, church and family involvement; and a 300-word essay. Submitted attachments must be error-free and complete.
Note: State Directors submit this on behalf of the student.
Opportunities
At SkillsUSA Washington, students have a wealth of opportunities to develop their leadership skills, gain paid work experience, and engage in meaningful volunteer activities. Whether you’re looking to lead, work, or serve, SkillsUSA Washington has the opportunities to help you succeed.
Boeing 2025 Summer Manufacturing Student Development Program
PAID
Students enrolled in Core Plus Aerospace or other aligned, hands-on high school manufacturing programs across Washington state are invited to apply for the summer 2025 Core Plus Aerospace Manufacturing Student Development Program hosted by The Boeing Company. Take advantage of this PAID opportunity to explore an exciting industry, take your advanced manufacturing skills to the next level, and build your resume with real-world experience. Applications will be accepted through February 5, 2025.
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