There are many different types of technical training grants available, including those for specific industries or technical fields, as well as general grants that can be used for a wide range of technical training programs. Some grants may also be targeted at specific populations, such as underrepresented minorities or individuals with disabilities.
We outlined a few of our favorite options below.
American Welding Society Foundation Welding Workforce Grants
These grants are available for secondary and post-secondary education/training institutions to enhance and improve welding programs resulting in an increase in the number of welding graduates and/or the number of graduates successfully placed in welding or welding-related jobs.
Awarded amounts go up to $25,000 and the deadline to apply is April 1, 2023.
Miller and the AWS Light a Spark Grant
This is another welding program grant opportunity, however schools that have an existing welding program or course are not eligible. This is geared toward schools that want to start a welding program. Applications are typically due mid-March.
Competitive Innovative Program Equipment Grants for High-Demand and Fast-Growth Industry Sectors
Popular among many of our customers in Virginia, this grant program is funded by the state and open to K-12 public institutions. The goal is to provide students with classroom experiences that translate to the 21st century workforce. While the application states that priority is given to Governor’s STEM Academies, we’ve found that other schools have just a good a chance as any to receive funding!
There are 16 grants available at $37,500 per grant and the deadline to apply is typically in February every year.
West Virginia Department of Education Career and Technical Education Modernization Grant
This is an opportunity for high school state approved CTE programs to request funding to upgrade current program environments, equipment, and/or instruction. The max amount awarded is $15,000. To maximize the impact of these funds, an important criterion is the availability of matching funds from sources outside the school system.
You can apply for the full grant by April 15, 2023 and for the mini grant by December 15, 2023.
Harbor Freight Tools Prize for Teaching ExcellenceÂ
These grants award public high school skilled trades teachers and programs that emphasize the expert use of materials and tools to build, repair and maintain products and structures. Most applicants come from programs like Agricultural Mechatronics, Carpentry, Construction, Electrical, HVAC, Manufacturing, Transformation Mechanics and Repair, and Welding.
There are 5 Grand Prize Winners of $100,000 each and 15 Prize Winners of $50,000 each. You must apply by May 5, 2023.
Collision Repair Education Foundation Benchmark Grants
These grants aim to honor a school that has been doing an outstanding job in educating students in collision repair but needs some financial assistance to improve their program’s teaching materials and equipment. The amount awarded varies and the deadline to apply is July 1, 2023.
Andersen Corporate Foundation Education Grants
Available to schools in Luray, Virginia, this grant provides funding to support trades and industrial education programs and to advance equity in education. The amount varies from $5,000-$20,000. Applications are typically accepted March 1 – 31 and August 1 – 31.
[one_half valign=”top” animation=”none”]
[/one_half]
[one_half_last valign=”top” animation=”none”]
Charles Koch Foundation Post-Secondary Grants
These grants aim to provide upskilling opportunities, particularly through alternative programs like certification, modern apprenticeships, and skilled trades. The amount varies and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
The Statoil West Virginia Community Fund Grants
The Statoil West Virginia Community Fund was created by Statoil to direct philanthropic resources to the needs of the communities where Statoil has operated acreage in the Ohio Valley, West Virginia . Non-profit organizations in or serving Wetzel and Tyler counties may apply.
Typical grant awards will range from $500 to $5,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
[/one_half_last]
You can read about these grant opportunities – and more grants — in detail in our 2023 Grant Guide here.
