Trade School Scholarship

Geographic Scope: Tempe, Arizona and Tempe Union High School District

Award Amount: $2,000 one-time scholarship to be used for class and equipment fees

Maximum Over Lifetime: $8,000 maximum per person over 4 years

Purpose: Support the trades and promote excellence among Tempe's top high school students and young adults in taking steps to improve their opportunities and the communities in which they live.

Eligible Schools

Applicants must apply to an accredited trade school in Arizona. Refer to:

• www.accsc.org/directory/
• www.careerschoolnow.org/colleges/cities/phoenix-az

Trade schools must be accredited by:

• The U.S. Department of Education (ED)-recognized accrediting agencies (required for federal financial aid)
• Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accreditors

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a graduating senior from any high school within the Tempe Union High School District OR be a graduating senior who lives in Tempe, Arizona and attends a publicly funded accredited Arizona high school
• Be classified as an Arizona resident for tuition purposes
• Have a minimum 2.5 grade point average
• Candidates may be enrolled in high school or adults looking to learn a trade
• No prior grade minimum or transcripts required for adult applicants

Ineligible: Members of the Tempe Diablos, their spouses, children, grandchildren and/or dependents

Reapplication

Recipients can reapply if a need exists. All trade scholarship awards are one-time awards, and applicants must re-apply each semester or school year. The scholarship is available year-round.

Special Program: EVIT Foundation

The EVIT Foundation may request funds each August/September for Tempe residents or Tempe Union HS students with specific financial needs. Since tuition is state paid, funds are used for required tools and books. Funds go directly to the Foundation, which works with the registrar.

Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profit groups providing scholarship funds to Tempe residents enrolled in accredited trade schools may request funds at any time of year.

Program History

• Scholarship program started more than 33 years ago with $60,000
• 1,200+ scholarships given to date
• $5,250,000 in scholarship dollars awarded
• $260,000 in scholarships funded annually

Application Process

Deadline: January 11, 2027 (Next annual deadline)

Interviews: Saturday, February 21, 2027

Note: The 2025-2026 application deadline (January 11, 2026) has passed.

Application Availability

The Trade Scholarship application is open year-round. As applications are received, the High School Scholarship committee will review, interview if needed, and prepare a recommendation for the board at the monthly board meeting.

Required Materials

Complete application form with required documentation. Specific material requirements to be confirmed when application portal opens for 2026-2027 academic year.

Funding Distribution

Funds may be distributed in 3 ways:

1. Traditional individual student award - Scholarship committee processes check and delivers to trade school
2. EVIT Lump sum request - Traditionally requested in August/September for Tempe residents or Tempe Union HS students with specific financial needs
3. Request by other non-profit - For Tempe resident trade school tuition or materials

Questions: Email scholarships@tempediablos.org