American Industries Scholarship

The Trade Scholarship designed to help America’s foster youth succeed and thrive.

SCHOLARSHIP NOW OPEN!

Early Admissions Deadline: March 28, 2025 | Priority Deadline: April 25, 2025 | Final Deadline: May 30, 2025

In a collaboration between Foster Love and the Milligan Family Foundation,we are excited to offer this incredible scholarship program tailored to elevating the experiences of current and former foster youth across America.

The American Industries Trade Scholarship offers a powerful opportunity, granting up to $10,000 in academic funding over two years to help foster youth overcome financial hurdles in earning a trade certification or vocational degree. Beyond financial aid, this scholarship stands as a pillar of support for young individuals, fostering their personal, emotional, and social growth.

Are you ready to take charge of your future and join the ranks of driven young trade professionals? Click below to apply.

What the Trade Scholarship Offers

Our Impact

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Over $500,000 awarded in Trade Scholarships to over 45 students.

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completion rate for our Trade scholars.

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of our scholars completed their trade programs debt-free.

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of our scholars complete their certification with an apprenticeship, internship, or job in their respective trade.

Scholarship Eligibility & Requirements

Applicants for the Trade Scholarship must:

Provide proof of foster care.
Be between the ages of 17-25 during the application period.
Be a United States (U.S.) citizen.
Have completed a high school diploma or GED.
Plan to attend an accredited vocational-technical school, trade school, or two-year college.

Applicants must be pursuing the following trades:

Plumbing
Electrician
Heating,Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Welding
Masonry
Appliance Repair
Tool Manufacturing
Auto Repair & Manufacturing
Airplane Repair & Manufacturing
Industrial Mechanical Systems
Diesel Technology

Machine Operator
Metal Coating and Molding
Construction Management
Elevator Technician
Carpentry
Culinary Arts
Agriculture & Horticulture
Dental Technician
Veterinarian Technician
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Radiology Technician

How To Apply

Step 1. Gather the Documents Needed to Apply

Candidates must submit key documents to complete the application. Begin by gathering the necessary documents you will need for your application.

Provide proof of foster care
Dependency letter from the child welfare agency or court documents detailing your foster care placement.
Proof of Enrollment into Trade Program
Current class schedule, transcript, or proof of enrollment letter.
Most Recent Transcript
High School or College Transcript, whichever is most recent.
Professional Headshot
A photograph to best represent you.
Reflection Statement
1-3 page essay answering the prompt.

Step 2. Complete the Online Application

The online application asks for basic demographic and academic information to verify eligibility.

Step 3. Submit your Verification Documents

Only completed applications will be reviewed. Please provide the following documents to complete your application. To submit your documents, please review your email to find your dedicated upload link.

Provide proof of foster care
Proof of Enrollment into Trade Program
Most Recent Transcript
Professional Headshot
Reflection Statement

Step 4. Monitor Your Email & Reach Out for Help

Stay updated on your application status with follow-up emails from the Foster Love scholarship team. Use the Contact Us button to schedule a call with our amazing scholarship team. We will answer all questions within 2 business days.

Learn More About Our Students

Testimonials

"Thank you to the American Industries Scholarship for giving the gift of continued education. Without your help, I would have had to work a whole year just to pay for my tools and then another just to pay for classes. I am so glad you allowed me to enter college right after high school, saving me so much stress and anxiety. This scholarship has been a huge support in helping me achieve my dreams to become a mechanic"

"Receiving this scholarship and becoming part of the Foster Love community has truly been one of the best experiences of my year. Their support made such a difference as I started college, helping me feel confident and prepared for my welding classes. I absolutely love my trade and what I do - everything is hands-on, and welding is just amazing! Thanks to this scholarship, I can invest in the equipment I need, focus on my training, and take the next steps toward my dream career at Delta Airlines."

What the Trade Scholarship Offers

These FAQ answers some of the common questions regarding the application, selection, and admissions process. Click here for more FAQ. Please visit our contact us page for additional information.

How do I apply?

Complete the steps outlined above. The American Industries Trade Scholarship will open in February and will remain open until all scholarship slots are filled.

When does the scholarship close?

The scholarship will close as soon as all 10 scholars are selected for the year.

What is the GPA requirement for this scholarship?

This scholarship does not have academic requirements to apply, however, the scholarship selection committee will take into consideration students that have performed exceptionally well in high school and/or college. If you struggled academically throughout high school or college, you may use the application to address your challenges and how you plan to overcome them.

What if I don't know my foster care status or do not have the appropriate documentation?

Each applicant is responsible for securing the necessary paperwork to complete the application. You can start by contacting your social worker’s office and requesting proof of foster care. Applicants can ask their guardian or foster family. Applicants can contact their county social services office or state child welfare offices or the state ombudsman office to secure documentation. There are no exceptions for applicants that were never in foster care.

How much is the scholarship worth?

Recipients are awarded up to $10,000 in scholarship funding available for up to two years or until the recipient has completed their trade certification program, whichever occurs first.

Can I apply if I was never in foster care?

This scholarship is solely reserved for individuals who experienced foster care in the United States. No exceptions will be made.

I am applying for grad school, master's program, law school, or Ph. D. program, can I apply?

This scholarship is reserved solely for undergraduate college foster care students who are enrolled in a trade/vocational program. No exceptions will be made.