The Clayton Mark Foundation supports individuals pursuing careers in the skilled trades through trade schools, technical schools, apprenticeship programs, workforce training programs, certification courses, and other approved career-development pathways. Applicants should demonstrate strong character, integrity, work ethic, and a commitment to building a meaningful career.

Examples include aviation maintenance, welding, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, construction trades, industrial maintenance, manufacturing, diesel technology, automotive technology, CDL programs, utilities, energy trades, apprenticeship programs, and other approved skilled-trades pathways.

Recipients are selected using a character-based review process that considers character and integrity, work ethic and determination, career goals, impact of the scholarship, service to others, and alignment with the Foundation mission. Applicants submit a video statement to help reviewers understand who they are beyond grades and transcripts.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Because the Foundation offers multiple forms of support, including tuition assistance, tools, certifications, and career-development opportunities, applicants are encouraged to apply whenever they are preparing for or actively pursuing a skilled-trades career.

Applicants should tell us about themselves, their goals, why they are pursuing their chosen trade, and experiences that demonstrate character, work ethic, resilience, determination, leadership, and integrity. Applicants should also clearly explain what they are requesting support for, such as tuition, school costs, tools, equipment, certification fees, exam costs, apprenticeship-related expenses, or other approved career-development costs and the amount requested. No amount is too big or too small to request, but remember - integrity is key to being selected and expenses will be verified prior to scholarship award, so be honest and only ask for what you need.

*Please download the Video Application Guidelines file for complete instructions.

Businesses can support the Foundation through scholarship sponsorships, apprenticeships, internships, job-shadowing opportunities, mentorship programs, career events, tool and equipment donations, and workforce-development partnerships.

Mentors provide guidance, encouragement, industry insight, networking support, resume reviews, interview preparation, and career advice. Skilled-trades professionals and industry experts are encouraged to get involved by submitting an application on the Volunteer page.