Ascentra offers $15,000 in Scholarships to Trades Students

Next year, $15,000 in scholarships will be awarded to 15 Ascentra student members to help offset the costs of attending postsecondary education through a college, university or trade program.

The program includes awards for three different types of students: 

  • Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to high school student members planning to enter college.
  • Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to non-traditional student members, age 19 and older, planning to attend higher education.
  • Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to members entering vocational school or college with a trade program.

To make it easier for applicants, Ascentra now is offering an online application process. Students can apply by visiting ascentra.org/scholarships.

“We are always evaluating how we meet our members where they are,” Jennifer Naeve, Ascentra’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, said in a news release. “Not only do we want to offer scholarships for all types of students, but we want to make it easier for them to apply so that there are no barriers for them in the process.”

Traditional and non-traditional students are judged on their essay, resume, awards, extra-curricular activities, volunteer services and work experience. This year’s 500-word essay question is “With college tuition costs dramatically increasing year after year, besides scholarships, what are some ways that students can help offset the costs of higher education?”

Entrants for the vocational or trades scholarship will need to submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or advisor, and answer the following question (in less than 75 words) “How do you plan to use the scholarship if awarded?”

The Ascentra Scholarship Program allows students to apply every year they are enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning and/or trade, even if they are previous recipients of the program.

For official rules and to apply for these and other scholarships, visit ascentra.org/scholarships. All entries must be submitted no later than March 1, 2023.

Get the free QCBJ email newsletter

Stay up-to-date with the people, companies and issues that impact business in the  Quad Cities area.