Scholarships & Opportunities
Scholarships
One of the benefits of SkillsUSA membership is the opportunity to apply for scholarships available only to SkillsUSA members. During the 2023-24 school year, more than $400,000 in annual scholarships were awarded to SkillsUSA high school and college/postsecondary members nationwide to offset the cost of postsecondary education and training. Additionally, multiple scholarships were awarded to offset the cost of attending SkillsUSA events such as the National Leadership & Skills Conference and the Washington Leadership and Training Institute.
Washington State & Featured Scholarships
Road to Atlanta Scholarship
OPEN
$1,000 (2 Recipients)
Opened: April 20, 2026
Closes: May 25, 2026
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
CLOSED
$1,000 (2 Recipients)
Opened: November 1, 2025
Closed: January 1, 2026
- 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!
"New Year, New Heights" Scholarship
CLOSED
$500 (4 Recipients)
Opened: January 1, 2026
Closed: January 31, 2026
- Must be NEW to SkillsUSA
- SkillsUSA Member: Must be a member of SkillsUSA
"More Better" Scholarship (In Memory of Marty Lee Ayres)
CLOSED
$1,000 (1 Recipient)
Opened: December 3, 2025
Closed: February 4, 2026
- 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!
Rhonda Downing Memorial Scholarship (In Memory of Rhonda Downing)
CLOSED
Full SLSC registration cost and accommodation – a +$700 value! (1 Recipient)
Opened: February 26, 2026
Closed: March 11, 2026
- 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!
Event Scholarships
Immersive Experience: Construction NLSC Travel Grant
OPEN
Closes: April 25, 2026
The NLSC 2026 Immersive Construction Experience Travel Grant is sponsored by the SkillsUSA partner Bosch Community Fund.
This high-impact, three-day immersive experience blends career exploration with applied learning across today’s most in-demand construction fields. Through hands-on, real-world construction scenarios, SkillsUSA members work alongside industry professionals to build confidence, clarify career goals, and strengthen job readiness.
Participants leave the experience with clearer career direction and a stronger occupational identity, increased confidence in both technical and professional skills, direct connections with construction industry professionals, and the potential to earn an industry-recognized credential.
Ford Philanthropy NLSC Travel Grant
OPENING SOON
Opens: April 25, 2026
Closes: May 15, 2026
In partnership with Ford Philanthropy, SkillsUSA is pleased to offer a travel grant to support SkillsUSA members attending the 2026 National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC). This opportunity reflects Ford Philanthropy’s commitment to helping people move forward and build meaningful futures, while encouraging SkillsUSA members to pursue careers in the skilled trades.
Eligible applicants include high school and postsecondary students competing at NLSC in June in Atlanta in the specified competition areas listed below.
Preference will be given to competitors representing the following SkillsUSA state associations: Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Tennessee. Additional preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need through a brief 300-word essay.
Eligible members may apply for up to $1,500 to help offset costs associated with attending the 2026 National Leadership and Skills Conference. Recipients must agree to use funds for appropriate travel, lodging, and registration expenses as outlined in the application.
Harbor Freight Tools for Schools NLSC Travel Scholarship
OPENING SOON
Opens: April 25, 2026
Closes: May 15, 2026
In partnership with Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, SkillsUSA is proud to announce this scholarship opportunity for SkillsUSA high school members competing at the 2026 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 2026 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 2026 NLSC, as described in the online application.
Hyundai NLSC 2026 Travel Grant
OPENING SOON
Opens: April 25, 2026
Closes: May 15, 2026
In partnership with Hyundai, SkillsUSA is proud to announce this scholarship opportunity for SkillsUSA high school and college-postsecondary members competing at the 2026 National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in Auto Service Technology or Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair competitions.
Eligible members can apply to receive up to $1,500 to assist in attending the 2026 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 2026 NLSC, as described in the online application.
ICPF NLSC Travel Grant
OPENING SOON
Opens: April 25, 2026
Closes: May 15, 2026
The International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF) has partnered with SkillsUSA to bring a talented, motivated, and career-ready workforce to the corrugated packaging industry. As part of the 2026 partnership, ICPF is contributing $5,000 to help fund travel to the National Leadership & Skills Conference.
Enter to win the travel grant by completing the 4 steps listed below.
- Take the ICPF’s jobs quiz to gain a better understanding of which career pathways are right for you. The quiz will match your interests and skills with job categories in the corrugated packaging industry.
- Meet industry employees! Hear directly from current employees in a variety of roles about their journey to packaging, their day-to-day responsibilities, and what they love most about their jobs. Access ICPF’s #VoicesInCorrugated video library to get started.
- Become familiar with #CareersInCorrugated. Watch this 7-minute video on the industry’s culture, values, and goals.
- Enter to win a travel grant to NLSC! Complete this SkillsUSA form to share your program information and the knowledge you’ve gained. By completing this form, your school will be eligible for funding from ICPF to support travel to the 2026 National Leadership & Skills Conference.
Are you a Scholarship Recipient?
Congrats on receiving a SkillsUSA Washington scholarship! Please fill out the Prize Form using the button below.
National Scholarships & Grants
Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Clifford “Ted” Rees Memorial Scholarship
CLOSED
$2,500
Opened: January 1, 2026
Closed: April 17, 2026
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.
Fine Homebuilding #KeepCraftAlive Scholarship
CLOSED
$2,500
Opened: January 1, 2026
Closed: April 17, 2026
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
CLOSED
$2,500
Opened: January 1, 2026
Closed: April 17, 2026
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
CLOSED
$1,500
Opened: January 1, 2026
Closed: April 17, 2026
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.
NAPA/SkillsUSA Transportation Repair Pathway Scholarship
CLOSED
$2,500
Opened: January 1, 2026
Closed: June 30, 2026
- A registered member of a SkillsUSA chapter
- A high school senior or a current or enrolling college/ postsecondary student expecting a tuition bill or documented direct educational costs for the Fall 2025 academic term (tools, PPE, on-campus or housing bill).
- Continuing their education/training in a transportation pathway:
- Automotive Repair
- Auto Service Technology
- Collision Repair
- Diesel Repair
- Motorsports Technician
- Plan to continue study of transportation trade at the postsecondary level in the 2025-2026 academic year
National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Scholarship
CLOSED
$1,000
Opened: January 1, 2026
Closed: April 17, 2026
Sharon Melton Myers Memorial Scholarship
CLOSED
$1,000
Opened: January 1, 2026
Closed: April 17, 2026
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
CLOSED
$1,500
Opened: January 1, 2026
Closed: April 17, 2026
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
CLOSED
Up to $5,000
Closed: November 6, 2025
SkillsUSA is thrilled to announce that we’ve once again partnered with Aerotek for the Fifth round of the “Make Your Mark” Scholarship Program!
The “Make Your Mark” scholarship program supports the SkillsUSA Career Model and expands the talent pipeline to remove barriers of entry to education and training. Aerotek’s intention is to develop the pipeline of future skilled trades leaders and improve economic outcomes for SkillsUSA members.
If selected to receive a scholarship, the award amount will be based on the selected recipients’ verifiable educational costs for the SPRING 2026 term ONLY. The scholarship award will be issued to the recipient’s postsecondary institution to be applied directly to the recipient’s SPRING 2026 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.
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.
Currently, there are no opportunities available.
Student Opportunity at Seattle Injector Co.
PAID
We are excited to share a new part-time job opportunity for SkillsUSA students in the greater Seattle area! Seattle Injector Co., located in SODO, is seeking a motivated student to support their diesel fuel systems team.
This position involves assisting technicians with daily tasks, handling parts and deliveries, supporting customer service, preparing invoices, and other related duties. For students interested in automotive, heavy-duty, agriculture, marine, or diesel engines, this is a fantastic chance to gain hands-on experience.
If you’re interested in this opportunity, please contact our State Executive Director, Karmen Warner.
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