Building Trades Opportunity Scholarship

Name: Building Trades Opportunity (BTO) Scholarship — Stand for Children Oregon

Award Amount: Varies

Information And Eligibility:
The Building Trades Opportunity (BTO) Scholarship, offered through Stand for Children Oregon, is designed to support Oregon students pursuing careers in the building and construction trades — sectors that are essential to community development, economic growth, and workforce sustainability. This scholarship reflects Stand for Children Oregon’s commitment to expanding educational and economic opportunity by recognizing students who demonstrate determination, work ethic, and a clear career pathway into building trades, skilled labor, or related technical professions.

Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors and current trade students who plan to enroll in or are already enrolled in registered apprenticeship programs, community college training, skilled trade certificates, or related technical education programs. The BTO Scholarship is intended for students who are committed to entering the skilled trades workforce and who show promise in their chosen field, whether that is carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, welding, HVAC, masonry, or construction management.

Because building trades careers often begin through hands-on training and apprenticeships rather than traditional four-year degrees, the scholarship supports students who pursue a variety of post-secondary pathways. Applicants are evaluated on their academic readiness, personal initiative, career goals, and alignment with industry needs. Many recipients are students who have already gained practical experience through high school CTE programs, volunteer projects, workforce internships, or employment in construction-related environments.

Award funds may be used to cover education-related expenses directly tied to trade preparation, such as tuition, tool kits, safety equipment, certification fees, books, or other materials that help students successfully complete their training. By alleviating financial burdens early in a student’s career, the BTO Scholarship aims to enhance access to training pathways that lead to stable, well-paying jobs in the building trades.

Beyond financial assistance, the scholarship reinforces the value of skilled-trade professions as vital contributors to community infrastructure and economic resilience. Students who articulate a clear understanding of their career trajectory, a commitment to learning in a trade environment, and a connection to community impact are well positioned for consideration.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a resident of Oregon.
• Must be a graduating high school senior or current student in a registered apprenticeship or trade training program.
• Must plan to pursue a career in building trades, construction, or a related technical profession.
• Must demonstrate commitment to education and workforce development in the skilled trades.
• Must provide evidence of earned or planned enrollment in an accredited or approved training program.

Application Requirements:

• Completed BTO Scholarship application form.
• Official high school transcript or training program enrollment verification.
• Personal statement describing career goals and reasons for pursuing a building trades pathway.
• Letters of recommendation from educators, mentors, or industry professionals familiar with the applicant’s work or goals.
• Documentation of apprenticeships, CTE coursework, volunteer experience, or related credential progress.

Additional Details:

• Scholarship supports students pursuing both apprenticeship and post-secondary training pathways.
• Funds may be applied to tools, certifications, tuition, and essential trade education costs.
• Recipients are selected based on career clarity, commitment, and alignment with industry needs.
• Stand for Children Oregon focuses on education equity and workforce opportunity through strategic scholarship investment.

Deadline: April

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