Three great (and unexpected!) programs for high school students looking for scholarships

Lots of high school students think college scholarships are primarily — or only — available for four-year colleges and universities. But that’s not true! When skilled workers are in constant demand, scholarships are often plentiful. That means there are plenty of scholarship opportunities available for career and technical education programs, too.

When students want to pursue a career training program without realizing there’s funding support available to them, they leave money on the table and make it more difficult and stressful to graduate college. We don’t want that to happen to you.

So if you’re considering a career-focused education, whether in healthcare, skilled trades, or technology, make sure you’re aware of all the scholarships available to help you succeed.

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 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average median wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $47,770 annually, 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 prepare your resume and connect you 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. And of course, don’t forget to look for schools that offer scholarships. Here’s a great place to get started: Explore schools that offer scholarships for automotive students.

Welding

If you love to work with your hands and get a thrill out of working with metals, heavy machinery and in inclement weather (in other words … you don’t want to be trapped behind a desk), 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, there is a lot of opportunity out there for welders.

The United States is facing a shortage of welders, with the American Welding Society predicting the need for 320,500 new professionals by 2029. 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. Imagine America works with trade schools across the country to help future welders, cutters, solderers and brazers train for their first — or next — jobs in the field. Let the IAF make it easier for you to get started on your welding career: Explore schools that offer scholarships for welding students.

Medical Assistant

If you want to work directly with patients, becoming a medical assistant is a fantastic option. It gets you involved in patient care without the higher barrier to entry of medical school or nursing school. 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. Ready to start your journey toward this fulfilling, in-demand career? Explore schools that offer scholarships for medical assistant students.

If you’re interested in an automotive technician, welding or medical technician career path, or any other career path in the skilled trades, 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!