mikeroweWORKS Foundation Work Ethic Scholarship Program is sponsored by mikeroweWORKS Foundation. This scholarship program awards individuals who are pursuing a skilled trade and demonstrate a strong work ethic, responsibility, and a positive attitude. It covers two-year programs or less and has supported various trades including auto technicians.

Approved Programs ‎Updated-2025-WES-Approved-Programs Program Guidelines 2026-Work-Ethic-Scholarship-Program-Guidelines- At mikeroweWORKS, we offer scholarships to people willing to work–plain and simple. Because no one else is focusing on it.

The Work Ethic Scholarship Program was created to help close the skills gap by supporting men and women who want to learn a trade, show up early, stay late, and take pride in doing a job well done. If you’re pursuing training in the skilled trades–welding, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, construction, or dozens of other in-demand careers–we want to help you get the training you need without taking on a mountain of debt.

Every year, we award millions of dollars in scholarships to individuals who are ready to learn a skill that’s in demand, earn a good living, and keep the country moving. It’s not about chasing your passion. It’s about bringing it with you.

The requirements are straightforward. If this sounds like you, you're invited to apply. You must: Be a high school graduate or senior.

Enroll or plan to enroll in an approved program, two years or less, at an accredited school. Sign the S. W.

E. A. T.

Pledge. Provide an official tuition bill or cost statement from your school.

Approved Programs ‎Updated-2025-WES-Approved-Programs Program Guidelines 2026-Work-Ethic-Scholarship-Program-Guidelines- We provide scholarships for two-year programs or less in the following in-demand skilled trade programs: Programs in building, maintaining, and improving essential infrastructure Heavy Equipment Operation MANUFACTURING & INDUSTRIAL Programs that power production, fabrication, and industrial systems Programs that keep critical systems running efficiently and reliably TRANSPORTATION & EQUIPMENT Programs that keep people, goods, and equipment moving AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES Programs in food production, land management, and agriculture Programs in digital infrastructure and technical systems HEALTHCARE & PUBLIC SERVICE Programs in health, safety, and community services Nursing (associate degree programs or LPN only) Personal Protective Services Programs in hands-on service careers Important: We support two-year programs or less.

Four-year programs don’t qualify. Not sure if your program fits neatly into one of these categories? Review the full list of approved programs.

Approved Programs ‎Updated-2025-WES-Approved-Programs Program Guidelines 2026-Work-Ethic-Scholarship-Program-Guidelines- Step 1: Confirm eligibility Meet the eligibility requirements. Complete applicant and school info. Step 2: Sign the S.

W. E. A.

T. Pledge Review and sign the pledge. Answer 4 short answer questions about it.

Step 3: Introduce Yourself Step 4: Provide References List 2 solid references from a teacher, employer, or supervisor. Give contact details for each reference. Step 5: Upload Required Documents Include your most recent transcript (high school or college).

Submit your tuition bill. Final Step: Submit Your Application Apply anytime now until October 31st. We award scholarships four times a year, so if you miss a deadline, there’s another one coming.

Decisions announced in August. Decisions announced in October. Decisions announced in December.

Approved Programs ‎Updated-2025-WES-Approved-Programs Program Guidelines 2026-Work-Ethic-Scholarship-Program-Guidelines- Real People. Real Skills. Real Careers.

We’ve awarded more than 2,600 scholarships and told hundreds of stories about our scholarship recipients who chose to learn a skill and get to work. Victoria has been quite busy since we last checked in with her. Since launching Hard Hats and Heels, she’s combined construction and real estate to carve out a niche in remodeling and flipping homes throughout Michigan.

She and her fiancé have built a portfolio of six properties while growing H3 Home Designs—a brand focused on quality craftsmanship in a market too often filled with mold, rot, and quick fixes. She recently earned her associate broker’s license and is now developing an online course to help real estate agents better understand what they’re selling and how to build equity the right way.

These days, Victoria is also using her platform to advocate for the skilled trades by speaking at expos and industry events across the country. She says some of the most meaningful conversations happen when students start asking questions about careers in the trades. That’s how we change the conversation around the trades.

Be like Victoria and apply for a work ethic scholarship #linkinbio #workethic #construction #scholarship Open post by mikeroweworks with ID 18189466942373918 Ayden is in his second year of flight training at @wsutech, and he recently finished his commercial certification. This phase has pushed him deeper into the technical side of aviation, from aerodynamics and weather to decision-making and aircraft control.

In the air, that translates to mastering advanced maneuvers that test precision and awareness, including steep turns, stalls, lazy eights, and eights on pylons. His interest in aviation was inspired by his grandfather, who worked as a flight engineer and grew after volunteering at a WWII B-29 Superfortress where he was invited to fly.

As the semester ends, Ayden is preparing for his next chapter, earning his Certified Flight Instructor certification and multi-engine rating. Be like Ayden and apply today for a work ethic scholarship #linkinbio #workethic #aviation #scholarship Open post by mikeroweworks with ID 17972035167028824 Aleks is set to graduate this month from North Bennet Street School.

He started in modern carpentry before earning his way into the restoration and historic carpentry program, where he found himself pulled toward architectural carving—the more detailed side of the trade. These days, he splits his time between high-end finish work, building custom pieces like doors, and driving over an hour to study carving under a European master who’s been at it for decades. Getting there hasn’t been simple.

At 10, Aleks lost his left leg to osteosarcoma and has worked on a prosthetic ever since. Years later, he was training to qualify for short distance sprints for the Paralympics, but sustained an injury that disqualified him. That didn’t stop Aleks when it came to his craft—timber framing, handling heavy material, long days.

He’s taken on all of it, including the most physically demanding parts of the job. Over time, he’s enjoyed moving towards the precision side of the craft, where the work slows down and the margin for error gets smaller.

Be like Aleks and apply for a work ethic scholarship today #linkinbio Open post by mikeroweworks with ID 17976210861009232 In 9th grade, Matt’s mom signed him up for a basic plumbing and electrical class—he wasn’t exactly thrilled about it. She told him in a worst-case scenario, he’d learn how to fix things in his own house someday. Turns out, she was right.

Somewhere between his first wiring project and realizing he actually liked the work, something clicked—this wasn’t just a class, it was a direction. So he followed it. After high school, Matt enrolled in an electrical tech program at Triangle Technical Institute in Pennsylvania.

He went on to spend seven years with a small residential contractor, getting real-world experience and sharpening his skills. But eventually, he hit a ceiling and wanted to explore a new path. Today, he’s one of nine in-house electricians at Fortune 500 company, Erie Insurance, helping keep an entire data center running.

On any given day, he’s maintaining massive backup power systems, lighting buildings, or leading renovation projects. Not bad for a kid who almost didn’t take the class. Ask him about job security and he doesn’t hesitate.

“There’s no shortage of work. ” And he believes it—because he’s lived it. These days, when Matt’s not working, he’s with his wife, out fly-fishing, or driving past something he helped build and thinking, “I wired that”.

It’s a quiet kind of satisfaction. The kind you don’t get from guessing. The kind you get from doing.

The moral of the story is, listen to your mom! #workethic #electrician #work Open post by mikeroweworks with ID 18123240040550894 Maryssa just filled us in on some BIG news! 👏 Open post by mikeroweworks with ID 18011289506698259 Daisy bought her first car at 17, thinking it just needed a little work.

It turned out it needed a lot more love than a little work. Lucky for her, the mechanic she went to stepped in, showed her the ropes, and turned a bad purchase into something far more useful—a skill set. This sparked Daisy’s interest in being able to know how to fix things for herself.

Growing up with a single mom, Daisy learned early how to pull her weight. She worked her way through San Bernardino Valley College, spending a couple years learning both diesel and automotive technology while holding jobs at an auto parts store and a fire truck dealer. Somewhere along the way, a mentor gave her a simple tip: “If you want to go where the money is, learn diesel.

” Daisy didn’t argue. She got to work. Today, she’s a mechanic for the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, keeping emergency vehicles ready for when they’re needed most.

She says there is no shortage of work and that job security has never been a concern. When she’s off the clock, she’s either on the soccer field or remodeling her first home. It seems the “I can fix this” spirit has served her well!

Open post by mikeroweworks with ID 18117040282738754 Seth began his aviation journey at FlightGest Academy in North Carolina. His interest in aviation was sparked by a close friend who flew Black Hawk helicopters and introduced him to a flight simulator. Before pursuing aviation, Seth served as a military police officer, primarily stationed at Fort Bragg.

He developed strong leadership, coordination, and safety skills that carried over into his work as a pilot. Now in his second year of training, he has earned his multi-engine commercial rating and is working toward his multi-engine instructor certificate, a key step in becoming more competitive in the industry. Seth has his sights set on joining a major airline within the next five years.

Away from flying, he enjoys spending time fishing and turkey hunting. Applications for our work ethic scholarship are open! Go get some 💰#linkinbio Open post by mikeroweworks with ID 17921572419276904 Brian started his career as a firefighter, but after several years of service he had a change of heart when a friend introduced him to the electrical trade.

He quickly realized he loved the daily problem-solving that comes with keeping things wired, working, and running safely. With the help of a work ethic scholarship, he earned his electrical technology degree from San Joaquin Valley College and became a certified journeyman electrician at @ranchopacificelectric. Today, he’s 37, owns his home in Riverside, California, and recently welcomed his third child.

Brian says he’s “living the dream”. He believes the trades are one of the best ways to serve your community, by learning a skill that brings real value to others. It’s a lesson he’s passing on to his kids.

Recently, his nine-year-old son, Wyland, started his own recycling business and rides around the neighborhood on his electric bike with a homemade trailer collecting recyclables. Work ethic scholarships are available now‼️ If you or someone you know is ready to enter the trades, head to the #linkinbio. Open post by mikeroweworks with ID 17989747763942393 Derek, a 2021 scholarship recipient, just bought his first home!

Growing up, Derek worked alongside his parents renovating and maintaining homes for their rental business. He later pursued a two-year electrical technology program at @forthaysstate and now helps keep the campus running as its maintenance director.

No two days look the same—one minute he’s tracking down a faulty switch, the next he’s repairing breakers, outlets, or emergency lighting, all using the skills he learned in school and working flipping homes. Today, Derek takes pride in knowing his efforts help keep the lights on so students can focus on learning the trades.

Work Ethic Scholarship Applications NOW OPEN‼️ #scholarship #career #workethic Open post by mikeroweworks with ID 17893519368422103 Dan enrolled at @dakotacountytechnicalcollege in 2013 in the Heavy Construction Equipment Technology program. In his final semester, he landed an internship with John Deere, which turned into a full-time role immediately after.

Now ten years in, Dan is a Tech Level 4—the highest technician role—and was named John Deere’s 2025 Technician of the Year. His career gave him a clear path for advancement, and today he earns well over six figures doing work he enjoys. His advice is simple: show up, work hard, do things right, and don’t complain.

Outside of his day-to-day work, Dan makes a point to give back. He’s volunteered with @skillsusa as a judge since 2015 and helped his company host competitions to support incoming talent. At 31, with four kids, including twins born in April last year, Dan says his career provides stability and constant learning.

#technician #workethic #success Open post by mikeroweworks with ID 18125132374483148 Jeremy’s path into the electrical trade started in an unexpected place—a correctional facility—where he was first introduced to the work. He took it seriously, finished his program, and completed his apprenticeship in 2019 at the top of his class.

Jeremy went on to earn his journeyman license at @millerelectricco and quickly proved he had a knack for teaching. The company created the new role as Regional Workforce Development Manager for Jeremy. From there, he helped build an intensive four-week program that connects high school students, technical college programs, and incarcerated individuals to careers in the electrical trade.

Jeremy says electrical work is growing faster than ever because of the data center boom—and the only way to keep up is to start training people now. This role is about paying it forward, and helping build the next generation of electricians.

#electrician #workethic #america Open post by mikeroweworks with ID 18098359999927241 Riley’s path into the trades began in her garage, wrenching on a Jeep alongside her dad, where she discovered she loved working with her hands and the satisfaction of fixing things herself. She carried that interest into a two-year automotive program at @collincollege_automotive.

Right out of school, Riley landed a job at @randsteroffroad in Wylie, Texas, where she’s spent the past year putting her training to work. For Riley, the people she works with every day are what make the field truly enjoyable.

#auto #mechanic #workethic Open post by mikeroweworks with ID 18013708220656825 Encouraged by his grandfather—an electrician for nearly four decades—Jonah enrolled in the Electrical Construction & Maintenance program at Dunwoody College of Technology. Jonah is now a licensed journeyman working at Design Electric He works on VA remodels to hospitals, medical buildings, and airplane hangars.

No two days look the same, and that’s exactly why he loves it. Outside of work, Jonah enjoys time with his family and ice fishing through Minnesota winters. His advice to others considering the trades?

Try it, there are more paths in electrical work than most people realize. #electrician #fishing #workethic Open post by mikeroweworks with ID 17888717643422999 Last time we heard from Julieanne in 2023, she was in the middle of her nine-month program in autobody collision and repair at @wyotech_edu.

Since then, she was hired right out of school at @excelbodyworks in Jacksonville, North Carolina, where she’s been working for the past nine months prepping and painting vehicles in the shop’s paint booth. Working within a small team of ten, the shop turns out a multitude of cars every week. Julieanne says she’s learning something new everyday and is grateful for the opportunity to work with her hands.

When she’s not working she enjoys spending time with her husband, Jared! Open post by mikeroweworks with ID 17936003232165151 What started as a birthday photo in front of a family friend’s J3 Piper Cub when Stella was 15 turned into her first flight with a family friend. She still flies with that same family friend today and often uses the plane to log practice hours.

From that moment on, she was hooked and knew she wanted to fly planes. Stella joined the Civil Air Patrol and attended the Robert Ayer’s Flight Academy in Maryland where she earned her pilot’s license at 17. She’s now in her second semester studying aviation at @polk_state.

She just earned her Instrument pilot license—a milestone that requires longer hours, more technical training, and the ability to fly through less-than-ideal conditions. Stella wants to fly commercially with Atlas Air and one day pilot “the Queen of the Skies,” the Boeing 747. When she’s not flying or studying, she’s usually fishing, camping, lobster diving with her family, or picking up new hobbies like cooking and crafting.

A motto she lives by: “You don’t get anywhere by not trying. ” #pilot #aviation #workethic Open post by mikeroweworks with ID 18091668523998693 Josh enrolled in a 16-week program at @northwestlinemancollege in Idaho in 2022. The course was fast-paced—by the third day, he was already climbing poles.

That hands-on, straight-to-the-point training gave him the foundation he needed to launch his career in the power industry. After graduating, he spent eight months working with Mountain State Line Contractors before signing on to a four-year apprenticeship with them. The program rotates apprentices through a variety of contracts, giving him the chance to work on everything from transmission lines to underground.

He’s traveled across Idaho and Colorado, camper in tow, enjoying the flexibility and adventure that comes with the job. In about a year and a half, he’ll test for his journeyman’s license. Friends in the trade and the promise of steady work originally drew Josh to line work—because no matter what, people will always need power.

#lineman #workethic #hardwork Open post by mikeroweworks with ID 18030528737776450 Follow @mikeroweworks On Instagram This program exists because organizations that depend on skilled labor are willing to invest in the next generation. We couldn't do it without their support.