Applications now open for trade school scholarships funded by Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation
Registration for the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation Scholarships for the Trades is officially open. The Foundation is offering $2,500 scholarships for students interested in attending trade school. Last year’s winners, Anthony Corsentino and Jake Nikolai, were both graduates of John Hersey High School.
“We are thrilled to host the Scholarship for the Trades once again,” said Lauree Harp, Founder and Chair of the Foundation. “After supporting the library as they opened the Makerplace and seeing so many young makers come in to use the space, we saw an opportunity to support the next generation of Arlington Heights residents as they consider a career in the trades.”
This year, the Foundation is offering three $2,500 scholarships, including a scholarship funded by friends and family of the late Arlington Heights resident and maker Jeffrey Moroney. The scholarships are open to D214 students and alums 17 to 25 years of age who are interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades, such as plumbing, carpentry, electrical, HVAC, machining, or welding, that require advanced training other than a four-year bachelor’s degree.
“Choosing to pursue a career in the trades has become an increasingly sensible decision,” said John Hartnett, Foundation Director and Scholarship Committee Chair. “The average cost of a four-year college degree is over $100K, whereas trade school is significantly less. Studies show that 40% of high school graduates don’t finish college within six years, but more than 98% of trade school students finish in two. The starting salaries for many of the skilled trades are similar to starting salaries for a liberal arts degree. A career in the trades is professionally and financially rewarding; students start making a good salary after two years with little to no debt.”
D214 students and graduates who are looking for financial assistance with trade school tuition can apply for the Foundation’s Scholarship for the Trades before May 1. Candidates must complete the Makerplace Scholarship application, which includes a letter of recommendation and a few short personal essays. Winners will be announced on June 1.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for local students to continue their education and pursue a lucrative career in the skilled trades without taking on a mountain of debt,” said Hartnett. “The Foundation, along with the Moroney family, is thrilled to help these young adults as they learn the skills needed to begin their careers and contribute to our great community.”
For more information on the scholarship and its criteria, visit www.ahmlfoundation.org/scholarship. For more information on the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation, visit www.ahmlfoundation.org.
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation is a not-for-profit, 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization that provides funds to help develop and sustain a world-class library. The Foundation supports the Arlington Heights Memorial Library by securing financial and in-kind donations. Donors who have a strong belief in the importance of a healthy, vibrant library have the opportunity to donate funds to our non-profit, tax-exempt private organization.