Students

Why Apply for Trade School Scholarships?

Trade school opens doors to high-demand careers—often with less burden of student debt. The below Wall Street Journal feature shares more.

But even with shorter programs and lower tuition, costs like tools, certifications, and living expenses can add up. That’s where scholarships come in.

Applying for scholarships isn’t just about free money—it’s about giving yourself financial breathing room so you can focus on mastering your craft.

Whether you're studying to become a welder, electrician, mechanic, or healthcare technician, scholarships help you invest in your future without sacrificing your peace of mind.

The High-School Juniors With $70,000-a-Year Job OffersCompanies with shortages of skilled workers look to shop class to recruit future hires; “like I’m an athlete getting all this attention from all these pro teams.”

Trades Scholarship Tips

Ask teachers, coaches, bosses, etc. for letters of recommendation. Most scholarships ask for one or more. Ask sooner than later to give those asked time to complete them.
Check with your guidance office for a list. Your school may have a senior newsletter with a list of scholarships, the requirements, the deadline and the applicant specification.
Create an account at https://myscholarshipcentral.org/
Search the web, specific to a trade or career if you can.
Some organizations give scholarships to ALL applicants who meet their specifications.
Apply for several hoping to get any. Sometimes the trades have less competition than some of the academic scholarships.

Missouri Trade Schools

Baptist Bible College - Springfield, MO
Bolivar Technical College - Bolivar, MO
Bryan University - Springfield, MO
Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center - Cape Girardeau, MO
Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies - Fayette, MO
Crowder College - Neosho, MO
Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies - Springfield, MO
East Central College - Union, MO
Evangel University - Springfield, MO
Grand River Technical School - Chillicothe, MO
Jefferson College - Hillsboro, MO
Lex La-Ray Technical Center - Lexington, MO
Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City - Kansas City, MO
Midwest Institute - Fenton, MO
Midwest Technical Institute-Missouri - Springfield, MO
Missouri Baptist University - Saint Louis, MO
Missouri Southern State University - Joplin, MO
Missouri State University-Springfield - Springfield, MO
Missouri State University-West Plains - West Plains, MO
Moberly Area Community College - Moberly, MO
North Central Missouri College - Trenton, MO
Ozarks Technical Community College - Springfield, MO
Park University - Parkville, MO
Pike-Lincoln Technical Center - Eolia, MO
Pinnacle Career Institute - Kansas City, MO
Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center - Poplar Bluff, MO
Ranken Technical College - Saint Louis, MO
Saint Louis University - Saint Louis, MO
Southeast Missouri State University - Cape Girardeau, MO
Southwest Baptist University - Bolivar, MO
St Charles Community College - Cottleville, MO
St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton - Fenton, and Saint Louis, MO
Webster University - Saint Louis, MO
WellSpring School of Allied Health-Kansas City - Kansas City, and Springfield, MO

‘He plants trees, which will be of use to another age,’

Roman poet Caecilius Statius

Donors

You can obtain tax benefits today donating to trades education scholarships at Bold.org and beyond.

100% of your donation will go directly to the educational costs of scholarship applicants.

These donations can be funded by:

Cash Donations
Appreciated stock gifts via DAFs (Donor-Advised Funds)
QCDs (Qualified Charitable Distributions) from IRAs

The Henry and Cornelia Ritter Memorial Scholarship Fund

Henry was a carpenter by trade who raised 13 children with Cornelia. Many of the Ritters and their descendants have gone on to pursue successful trade careers in HVAC, aviation, and more.

The Henry and Cornelia Ritter Memorial Scholarship provides a $5,000 scholarship that is paid directly to the selected applicant's trade school costs.

Donate Here

See Below For Application Requirements

Demonstrated Financial Need

Any graduating high school senior in Missouri from a low-income family who wants to enroll in an accredited vocational or trade school program may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they have at least a 2.0 GPA and community service or volunteering experience.
Applicants should also demonstrate leadership potential, empathy, involvement in family caregiving, part-time work, or other responsibilities that reflect character.

Community Service

Students who give back and who serve regularly build stronger communities.
A letter of recommendation from volunteer organization
We’re looking for Applicants must have completed at least 20 hours of community service in the past year—whether it’s through school, a nonprofit, or informal service to your local community.

Complete Application Submission

A well written essay is not the measure of ability, desire, or work ethic.
Applicants must submit a completed application form by the deadline, including:
1. A short personal statement (300–500 words)
2. Proof of community service hours
3. A letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, or community leader
4. Most recent high school transcript or GED equivalent

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