Apply FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

Applications are OPEN

The scholarship program is open! Applications for both Adult Opportunity Scholarships for summer programs beginning June 2026 and Memorial and Next Steps Scholarships for graduating high school seniors for summer and fall 2026 programs are available.

The deadline for applying is March 15. See guidelines for details.

Submit your application through one of the links below.

Adult Opportunity Scholarships
Memorial + Next Step Scholarships

Join our mailing list for news and updates.

trades + Tech scholarships

The Trades + Technical Education Foundation scholarship program provides financial assistance to adult learners and graduating high school seniors who are pursuing careers in the skilled trades and technical fields. Awards are granted to help fund the cost of classes, training, and certification. We focus on programs leading to credentials for well-paying jobs in high-demand areas: automotive and building trades, healthcare, technology, and more.

Opportunity Scholarships

For adult learners

Adult Opportunity Scholarship awards provide funding for in-person classes and programs that help individuals in the Piedmont region of Virginia access the information and training to become skilled workers. Applications for online classes are currently NOT accepted.

Guidelines

Deadline: March 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. 

Applicants are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible.

  • Applicants of Trades + Tech Education Adult Opportunity Scholarship must:

    • Be age 16+

    • Be as resident in the Piedmont region of Virginia, including Charlottesville City, and Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties.

    • Be pursuing a degree or certification in a trade- or technical-related program at a vocational or accredited two-year school.

    • Applications for funds for online-only classes are not eligible for funding.

    • Fall 2025 scholarships provide support for spring classes and programs beginning January 2026.

    Applicants may be contacted by a Trades + Tech Education Foundation representative regarding their application.

  • Applications are evaluated based on program selection, statement of goals and interest in a career in the trades, and personal recommendations.

  • Scholarship awards provide up to 75% of the cost of the class/program and are paid directly to the school or training program. Funding is available only for in-person and hybrid classes.

  • Notification of scholarship winners will be sent by email in April, approximately 4-6 weeks after the application deadline.

Questions? Email us at info@tradesandtech.org.

Memorial and Next Steps Scholarships

For graduating high school seniors

The Trades + Tech Education Foundation offers five scholarship awards annually for graduating high school seniors entering the skilled trades, technology, or corresponding field.

types of scholarships

  • This award supports a CATEC student and is based on grades, educational and career goals of the candidate, and financial need.

  • This award supports a CATEC building, trades or electricity student in a high school or apprenticeship program who is pursuing post-secondary or additional training in that trade area. In Mr. Van de Castle’s memory, the student needs to have “a clear desire to do what is right and accept nothing but the best.”

  • This scholarship honors the memory of Justin Tilghman, a former graduate of CATEC’s Culinary Program. Justin expressed his passion for cooking in restaurants in the greater Charlottesville area, constantly learning and improving his culinary technique. This award supports a CATEC student pursuing an education and career in the culinary arts who shares Justin’s passion for cooking and hospitality.

  • This award is based on a graduating high school senior’s intention to pursue an education and career in the skilled trades, technology, or corresponding field. Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded.

Guidelines

Deadline: March 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible.

Questions? Email us at info@tradesandtech.org.

  • Applicants of Trades + Tech Education Foundation Memorial and Next Steps Scholarships must:

    • Be a graduating high school senior residing in Charlottesville or greater Albemarle County.

    • Be pursuing a degree or certification in a trade- or technical-related program at a vocational or accredited two-year school.

    • Applications are only accepted for in-person or hybrid classes. Applications for funds for online-only classes are not eligible for funding.

    Applicants may be contacted by a Trades + Tech Education Foundation representative regarding their application.

  • Applications are evaluated based on program selection, statement of goals and interest in a career in the trades, and personal recommendations.

  • Notification of scholarship winners will be sent by email in April, approximately 4-6 weeks after the application deadline.

The next application window is May 15 - July 1, 2026, for Adult Opportunity Scholarships for fall 2026 classes and programs.

Other Programs Offering Financial Assistance in the Area:

There is a broad range of technical and trade educational scholarship opportunities available from other community resources. Check out these resources for more information.

  • Click here for a guide to free tuition to PVCC for qualifying students – available for all Virginia Community Colleges.

  • For people looking to get a job, advance their career, and earn higher wages with benefits to support themselves and their families, FastForward is the quickest, most affordable training program in Virginia. They help you navigate finding financial assistance to help offset some of the FastForward tuition training costs.

  • The Chef William-Allen Peterson Culinary Arts Foundation plans to establish perpetual annual memorial scholarships, in Chef Will’s hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia, and his culinary career city of Charlotte, North Carolina.

    The foundation aims to partner with local high schools, Vocational-Technical Education Centers (VOTEC) regional community colleges and universities to provide financial aid scholarships for stand-out culinary arts students of multi-cultural backgrounds from socio-economically disadvantaged circumstances.