Apply for a Build The Essential Trades Scholarship
Trade school students in Florida and South Carolina — here's everything you need to know before you apply.
Applicant Categories
NRC welcomes applications from four distinct groups. Each has its own focus area but shares the same core eligibility requirements.
High School Seniors
Open to graduating seniors (or recent graduates within 12 months) accepted into or applying to an accredited trade or technical program. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine plan to enter a skilled trade career.
Adults Changing Careers
Open to adults of any age leaving a prior occupation to pursue a skilled trade credential for the first time. Financial barriers must be a primary factor preventing or delaying enrollment. Prior work history is considered positively.
Current Trade Students
Open to students currently enrolled in an eligible trade or technical program who are at risk of interrupting or withdrawing due to financial hardship. Proof of current enrollment required.
Veterans Transitioning
Open to honorably discharged veterans of any branch of the U.S. military enrolling in or attending an accredited trade program. NRC awards may be stacked with GI Bill or other VA benefits to reduce remaining out-of-pocket costs.
Note: Any applicant in any category may be considered for the $5,000 Scholarship Champion Award at the review committee's discretion when an exceptional application is received.
Core Eligibility Requirements
All applicants, regardless of category, must meet the following requirements at the time of application.
Accredited Program
Must be enrolled in or applying to an accredited trade, vocational, or technical program. Accreditation recognized by COE, ACCSC, or a regional accreditor.
Program Length
Program must be at least 300 clock hours or 8+ semester credit hours (minimum for federal financial aid eligibility).
Trade Field
Program must lead to employment in a skilled trade: electrical, HVAC/R, plumbing, carpentry, welding, automotive/diesel, marine mechanics, CDL/commercial driving, masonry, roofing, construction technology, and related fields.
U.S. Citizen or Authorized Resident
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or hold authorized work status.
No Prior NRC Award (Same Year)
Students may not receive more than one NRC scholarship award in the same academic year.
FAFSA Filed (if applicable)
Applicants who qualify for federal financial aid must have filed a FAFSA for the current award year. Applicants ineligible for federal aid (e.g., some non-degree programs) are exempt.
Institution Location
The institution must be located in Florida or South Carolina. Applicants do not need to be current residents of FL or SC.
Required Application Materials
All of the following must be submitted with your application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
All Applicants
- Completed NRC Scholarship Application Form (available when applications open)
- Personal Statement (400–700 words): Why are you pursuing this trade? What barriers are you facing, and what will this scholarship make possible?
- Proof of enrollment or acceptance letter from an eligible institution
- Most recent federal tax return or EFC documentation for financial need verification
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher, employer, contractor, or community member
- Copy of FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) — if applicable
Veterans Must Also Submit
- DD-214 or Certificate of Release/Discharge from Active Duty
- Statement of VA benefits currently in use (if any), so NRC can calculate remaining unmet need
Personal Statement Guidance
The personal statement is your most important application element. Personal statements need not be polished — authenticity and specificity matter most.
Why this trade?
Be specific. A statement that says "I've always liked working with my hands" is weaker than "I watched my uncle rewire our house and have been studying electrical theory ever since."
What barriers are you facing?
Reviewers are specifically looking for evidence that cost is a real obstacle — not just a preference to have help with expenses.
What will this make possible?
Close with a clear picture of where you'll be 12–24 months after completing your program. Reviewers want to see a plan.
Submit Your Application
Complete the form below to apply for the Build The Essential Trades Scholarship. NRC's three-member review committee scores applications on financial need, career commitment, and more.
Build the Trades. Build the Future.
80¢ of every dollar goes directly to students. Join the drive that proves our industry invests in its own future.