Three great programs for high school students looking for scholarships

When it comes to scholarships, many high school students think primarily about four-year colleges and universities. But did you know that there are plenty of scholarship opportunities available for career and technical education programs, too? Unfortunately, many students entering these fields don’t realize the funding support that’s out there — and leave money on the table as a result.

If you’re considering a career-focused education, whether in healthcare, skilled trades, or technology, you might be surprised by just how many scholarships are designed to help you succeed. When skilled workers are in constant demand, scholarships are often plentiful.

The Imagine America Foundation has narrowed in on three program areas that are always in demand, and where scholarship opportunities are abundant … but often overlooked.

Here are our top three programs for high school students receiving scholarships for tuition:

Automotive Technician

Are you good with your hands and mechanically inclined? If so, then consider pursuing a career as an auto mechanic. Imagine America works with automotive schools across the United States to offer career college and automotive scholarships for auto mechanic students. According to the BLS, the average median wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $47,770 per year (according to May 2023 data). As far as job growth goes, the BLS predicts that auto service tech jobs will keep up with the estimated job growth for all other occupations, with new opportunities growing as fast as average.

Before enrolling, research online job placement statistics and find out whether the school offers any career services that will help you ready your resume and prepare to engage with employers in the area. Search for an automotive training program that provides courses accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation and has instructors who are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

Welding

If you love to work with your hands and get a thrill out of working with metals, heavy machinery and in inclement weather, then this career path might be right for you! If you’re eager and determined to learn the skill of welding from your instructors and are willing to put in the time, hard work and practice, you can more than compensate for any lack of natural talent or experience.

Imagine America works with trade schools across the United States to help future welders, cutters, solderers and brazers train for their next job in the field. The United States is facing a shortage of welders, with the American Welding Society predicting the need for 330,000 new professionals by 2028. Because of this need, you should have great hiring potential once you have enough practice time under your belt and have passed the welding certification exam.

Medical Assistant

If you know you enjoy working directly with patients, it’s possible you’ve thought about working as a medical assistant. Depending on what program you enroll in, you could begin making an impact in the healthcare field in two years or less.

It’s no secret that the aging population and innovations in technology are reshaping the U.S. health care landscape. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has positive forecasts for the healthcare field in general, which includes long-term opportunities for medical assistants. In fact, job growth for medical assistants is expected to grow at an impressive 15 percent — more than twice the national average of 7 percent — between 2023 and 2033.

If you’re interested in one of these career paths, IAF can help you find a school in your area that offers relevant programs. We can also help you pay for school with our scholarship and award programs! Learn more about our scholarship offerings, or create an account with the Imagine America Foundation to apply for a scholarship today!