Two leading skilled trade nonprofits — TechForce Foundation and National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) — recently announced the first recipients of a joint scholarship.
Nicholas Sinotte (Lakes Region Community College) and Dylan Powell (Itawamba Community College) each received $2,500 toward their technical education. This collaboration provides students with resources and critical scholarship support to excel in their technical education and successfully transition to the skilled technician workforce.
Both scholarship recipients started trade school this fall, are National Technical Honor Society members, and actively participate in the TechForce Network. Their involvement and passion for technical education helped them stand out amongst their peers, according to a statement from the two organizations.
“I am working toward a college degree and certifications in both automotive and marine technology,” said Sinotte. “My family’s finances are limited …this scholarship provides critical support as I work toward that goal. This scholarship brings me one step closer to that future, and I am truly grateful.”
Powell has taken classes or worked in construction, painting, and welding, and interned with an electrical engineer.
“The most fun of these was definitely manufacturing,” said Powell. “When it came time to pick a career pathway, industrial maintenance is the only thing I felt I would enjoy. I am excited for the hands-on work and challenging, new skills I will learn!”
The scholarship, funded by NTHS and administered by TechForce, was created in May in celebration of the partnership between the two organizations. NTHS and TechForce are connecting students to combined educational resources including training content, scholarships and grants, industry connections, and career opportunities. More information is available at NTHS.org/TechForce/.
“Students like Dylan and Nicholas see the opportunities in a technician career, and we are proud to help them achieve their goals,” said Jennifer Maher, TechForce Foundation CEO. “TechForce Foundation is solving the disconnect between emerging talent and industry needs, starting with technicians. Our nonprofit-to-nonprofit partnership with NTHS brings us closer to realizing that vision. Together we are connecting more students than ever to the TechForce™ workforce platform, designed to connect industry and education in real, measurable ways.”
Peyton Holland, NTHS Executive Director said, “At NTHS, we’re proud to recognize the brilliantly skilled students in Career & Technical Education who are building not only their own futures but the foundation of our workforce and communities. Partnering with TechForce Foundation allows us to celebrate and support outstanding students like Dylan and Nicholas, who are pursuing challenging, high-demand careers with passion and purpose. Together, we’re elevating the profile of technical education and expanding opportunities for CTE students nationwide.”
