3M Skilled Trades Scholarship for Underresourced Groups

The 3M Skilled Trades Scholarship for Underresourced Groups aims to empower and support students from under-resourced groups who are pursuing careers in skilled trades.

This scholarship aims to increase diversity within the trades workforce by providing financial assistance to students enrolled in Minnesota technical and community colleges. With a focus on promoting equity and access to high-demand fields, this scholarship is open to students studying programs such as welding, electrical work, HVAC, manufacturing, and other trade-related disciplines.

Recipients will be selected based on their commitment to pursuing a career in the skilled trades, academic performance, and their potential to contribute to the workforce in innovative and impactful ways.

This $2,250 scholarships is awarded in the fall and spring semesters. Applications for fall semester open on January 1st and close on April 1st at 11:59pm. Applications for spring semester open July 1st and close November 1 at 11:59pm. 

Scholarship Qualifications

  • Have a grade point average (G.P.A) of 2.5 or higher
  • Identify with an under-resourced group such as low-income households, first-generation college students, racial and ethnic minorities, women in trades, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, refugees, individuals with disabilities, or those with justice-involved backgrounds.
  • Be an undergraduate student enrolled in a skilled trade program at a Minnesota State Technical or Community College

Scholarship Requirements

  • Complete and submit the online application by July 1st or November 1st.
  • Write a 250 to 500 word essay that describes how you plan to contribute to increasing diversity and inclusion within the skilled trades workforce? 
  • Please submit a personal essay describing your academic, career, and personal goals. Each goal should be one to two paragraphs with clear distinction between goals. Please do not write out as a bulleted list, but as a paragraph-style essay. (600 words maximum)
  • In your own words, describe how this scholarship will support you in your educational journey. This can be in reference to your financial need, academic supports, time to focus on studies, etc. Please do not write out as a bulleted list, but as a paragraph-style essay. (600 words maximum)

The 3M Skilled Trades Scholarship reflects 3M‘s commitment to social justice and workforce development, ensuring that more students have the opportunity to succeed in vital, hands-on professions that build the future.

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