Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship 2026
The Work Ethic Scholarship Program was created to help close the skills gap by supporting men and women who want to learn a trade, show up early, stay late, and take pride in doing a job well done. If you are pursuing training in the skilled trades such as welding, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, construction, or dozens of other in-demand careers, this program can help you get the training you need without taking on a mountain of debt.
Every year, the mikeroweWORKS Foundation awards millions of dollars in scholarships to individuals who are ready to learn a skill that is in demand, earn a good living, and keep the country moving. It is not about chasing your passion. It is about bringing it with you.
Eligibility Requirements
The requirements are straightforward. If this sounds like you, you are invited to apply. You must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a high school graduate or senior
- Enroll or plan to enroll in an approved program, two years or less, at an accredited school
- Sign the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge
- Provide an official tuition bill or cost statement from your school
Approved Skilled Trade Programs
The foundation provides scholarships for two-year programs or less in the following in-demand skilled trade categories. Please note that four-year programs do not qualify.
Construction and Building
Programs in building, maintaining, and improving essential infrastructure including construction, electrical technology, heavy equipment operation, and plumbing.
Manufacturing and Industrial
Programs that power production, fabrication, and industrial systems including machining, manufacturing, and welding.
HVAC and Energy
Programs that keep critical systems running efficiently and reliably including HVAC and energy technology.
Transportation and Equipment
Programs that keep people, goods, and equipment moving including automotive technology, aviation technology, commercial driving, diesel technology, and marine technology.
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Programs in food production, land management, and agriculture including farming and agriculture.
Technology
Programs in digital infrastructure and technical systems including information technology.
Healthcare and Public Service
Programs in health, safety, and community services. This includes associate degree programs or LPN only for nursing, as well as protective services, police, fire science, EMT, and veterinary technology.
Service and Personal
Programs in hands-on service careers including cosmetology and culinary arts.
If you are not sure if your program fits neatly into one of these categories, you can review the full list of approved programs on the official website.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Meet the eligibility requirements and complete the applicant and school information.
Step 2: Sign the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge
Review and sign the pledge. You must answer four short answer questions about the pledge.
Step 3: Introduce Yourself
Record a short video introducing yourself to the selection committee.
Step 4: Provide References
List two solid references from a teacher, employer, or supervisor. You must provide contact details for each reference.
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
Include your most recent transcript from high school or college. You must also submit your official tuition bill.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Review your materials and submit your completed application through the online portal.
Application Deadlines
You can apply anytime until the final deadline. Scholarships are awarded four times a year, so if you miss one deadline, there is another one coming.
- Apply by April 30th. Decisions are announced in June.
- Apply by June 30th. Decisions are announced in August.
- Apply by August 30th. Decisions are announced in October.
- Apply by October 31st. Decisions are announced in December.
For more information, kindly visit Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship
