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Trade & Certification Scholarship Program

Fay Ranches Community Foundation

Foundation Annual Workforce Development Grants
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Funding Amount

$1,000 - $5,000

Deadline

May 15, 2026

37 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Trade & Certification Scholarship Program

Program Overview: The Fay Rural Community Foundation (FRCF) offers scholarships to individuals pursuing trade school education or professional certification in skilled trades and high-demand fields.

Geographic Scope: Rural communities in Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Idaho

Focus Areas:

  • Welding

  • HVAC

  • CDL (Commercial Driver's License)

  • Plumbing

  • Nursing assistant

  • Other high-demand skilled trades and certifications

    • Eligibility Requirements:

  • At least 17 years old

  • High school diploma or GED

  • From or graduating from rural areas (applicants must be from truly rural communities, not urban or suburban areas)

  • Accepted to or currently enrolled in an accredited trade school, vocational program, or certification course

  • Plan to pursue a career in a skilled trade or high-demand field

  • Demonstrate financial need and commitment to completing the program

    • Preference Given To:

  • Applicants intending to remain and work in rural or underserved areas

  • Individuals returning to school or changing careers

    • Award Details:

  • Scholarship amount: Typically $1,000 to $5,000 depending on program cost, financial need, and available funding

  • Funds may be used for: tuition, fees, tools, supplies, transportation, or certification exam costs

  • Awards disbursed directly to educational institution or training program, or directly to student with proof of enrollment

    • Renewability: Dependent on available funding and discussed with FRCF Board each year

    Approved Trade & Technical Schools:

  • Montana: Great Falls College – Montana State University, Flathead Valley Community College, Helena College – University of Montana, Miles Community College, Missoula College – University of Montana, Montana Tech

  • Wyoming: Casper College, Central Wyoming College, Northwest College, Western Wyoming Community College, Eastern Wyoming Community College, Laramie County Community College, Gillette College, WyoTech – Laramie

  • South Dakota: Mitchell Technical College, Lake Area Technical College, Southeast Technical College, Western Dakota Technical College

  • Idaho: College of Western Idaho, North Idaho College, Eastern Idaho Technical College, College of Southern Idaho

    • Contact Information:
    Fay Rural Community Foundation
    Phone: 406-586-4001
    Email: info@faycf.org

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    Timeline:

  • Applications open: April 1, 2026

  • Application deadline: May 15, 2026

  • Award notification: By June 15, 2026

    • Selection Criteria:
    Scholarships awarded based on:
    1. Clarity of career goals and motivation
    2. Alignment with trade fields in need
    3. Commitment to completing the program
    4. Financial need
    5. Potential for community impact

    Required Application Materials:
    1. Completed Trade Scholarship Application form
    2. Letter of recommendation from teacher, coach, mentor, or employer (max 10 MB)
    3. Proof of enrollment to trade school, vocational program, or certificate program (max 10 MB)
    4. Transcript with GPA or GED score (max 10 MB)
    5. Statement of financial need (300-word essay, FAFSA submission, or recent tax return; max 10 MB)

    Application Form Fields:

  • Full name

  • Home address (street, city, state, ZIP)

  • Phone number

  • Email address

  • Birthdate

  • County of residence

  • High school/school information

  • Confirmation of acceptance to accredited trade school or certificate program

  • Name of institution

  • Field of study

  • GPA or GED score

  • Career goals essay (500 words max): Describe career goals, what inspired pursuit of this trade, and how scholarship will help

    • Review Process:
    FRCF Board of Directors reviews all applications and notifies applicants of award decisions.

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    workforce-development

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