Full scholarship helps students pursuing trade certification
Select High School District 214 students pursuing career certificates in a variety of family-sustaining careers can now have that portion of their education paid in full through a unique scholarship created and funded by the Bosch Community Fund through the District 214 Education Foundation.
The new Bosch D214 Vocational Scholarship, believed to be the first of its kind in the region and potentially the nation, builds on District 214's Career Pathway program - which provides early college credit and industry credential opportunities for students - to fund the completion of certificates in areas like welding, HVAC, plumbing, machining, automotive technology and carpentry through a two-year college following graduation from a District 214 high school.
The Bosch Community Fund, the U.S.-based corporate foundation of the Bosch Group, which is the parent company of Mount Prospect-based Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, has committed $45,000 to the effort over three years.
A minimum of one student from each of District 214's six comprehensive high schools will be selected annually for the financial award. The students will need to demonstrate continued achievement and persistence in their pathway.
"We strongly believe in the potential of the students who will receive this award, and look forward to funding opportunities for students who will use these scholarships to support their careers and build their future," said Roger N. Amrol Jr., regional president, North America, for Robert Bosch Tool Corporation.
The award ensures students with an interest in critical, hands-on careers are given the financial resources they need to fully complete a college-level certificate, and opens the doors to family-sustaining wages and the continued pursuit of an associate or bachelor's degree.
The award aligns directly with District 214's career focus, allowing students to earn college credits in high school and then use the scholarship to complete a college certificate at no cost.
"This scholarship is groundbreaking, and the certificates it funds will give our District 214 graduates a much quicker opportunity to obtain meaningful employment," said Erin Brooks, foundation executive director.
"We are so grateful to the Bosch Community Fund and the company in its entirety for its visionary leadership in this area, as we work to ensure every one of our District 214 students reaches their full potential and is prepared for careers."
The scholarship will be awarded for the first time this spring. To be eligible, students must have a grade-point average of 2.8 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, show financial need and demonstrate active high school involvement in their intended career area and a habit of paying it forward and a desire to continue doing so.
The District 214 Education Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, working consistently to fund student success and innovation beyond the limits of conventional funding for public education. Learn more at www.214foundation.org.
The Bosch Community Fund, established in September 2011, has awarded more than $22 million in grants to 501(c) (3) organizations and educational institutions and provided District 214 $230,000 - in addition to this award - in funding for its Next Generation Engineering program, among other initiatives.
The Bosch Community Fund focuses primarily on the enrichment of STEM education and the advancement of environmental sustainability initiatives.