The Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of continuing education and life-long learning. For 2020 we will offer 2 scholarships to eligible students. NEW this year is our Trades Scholarship, in addition to our Academic Scholarship.
The Trade Scholarship is designed for a local high school student from one of our area’s vocational programs. The WCCCC Trades Scholarship will assist students attending a vocational-technical school and who will pursue a trade degree/certificate in an industry including but not limited to construction, industrial, motor/power sector, mechanics, and technology.
Chamber Board President Alissa Griffith said, ” the Chamber of Commerce strives to support workforce development by encouraging students to become trained in vocational arts and bring their skills back to our region with this annual scholarship. “
WCCCC engages with local businesses and education to highlight the widening skills gap in the trades. The Chamber identified a need for a scholarship program specific to vocational students after hosting our 2019 What’s Working Workforce Solution event. The annual event brings together local educators and businesses to discover how they can partner to develop a workforce pipeline that benefits rising students and is customized to the workforce needs of employers.
“Our local economy benefits from the trades businesses owned and operated in Western Chester County. As students seek avenues for education other than the traditional four year college degree, exploring the trades is becoming increasingly popular. With that said, mastering a trade is not without cost. Providing financial assistance to students opting to learn a trade not only benefits the student but also benefits industries so desperately in need of skilled trades people.” said Chamber Scholarship Chair Gwen Smoker of Citadel.
WCCCC will continue to work on building pathways for our youth and hope you will share these scholarship opportunities with individuals that apply to the specifications.
“Vocational schools prepare students for the trades placing them on a fast track to a rewarding skilled profession.”- Greg Vietri, G.A. Vietri, Inc.