Metro Voice News Celebrating Faith, Family & Community
America’s skilled trade crisis has reached a breaking point. With 2.1 million skilled trades jobs projected to go unfilled by 2030, the country faces an unprecedented workforce challenge. Now, television personality Mike Rowe is stepping up with a bold solution: a $2.5 million scholarship fund for aspiring trade workers.
The mikeroweWORKS Foundation’s latest initiative comes at a crucial time. Recent data shows that approximately 34.7 million individuals work in skilled trades across the United States, but it’s not enough to meet surging demand. The construction industry alone expects 663,000 job openings annually, with median annual wages of $55,000 – significantly higher than many four-year degree starting salaries.
Mike Rowe in his hit TV reality show “Dirty Jobs”
“We’re looking for hardworking men and women who will keep the lights on, water running, and air flowing — people who will show up early, stay late and bust their (rears) to get the job done,” according to the foundation’s website.
READ: Mike Rowe concerned about young men not working
The program’s track record speaks for itself. In its most recent cycle, the foundation awarded work ethic scholarships to 303 recipients, spanning 41 states and 15 different trade programs. These scholarships, averaging $15,000 per recipient, have already helped launch hundreds of successful careers in fields ranging from welding to HVAC installation.
One key part of a student’s scholarship application process is to read and sign the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge. The 12 tenets of this pledge contain the heart of Rowe’s work ethic. Here are blunt affirmations, such as: “I believe that I am a product of my choices, not my circumstances. I will never blame anyone for my shortcomings or the challenges I face. And I will never accept the credit for something I didn’t do.”
Gratitude ranks No. 1 on this list: “I believe that I have won the greatest lottery of all time. I am alive. I walk the earth. I live in America. Above all things, I am grateful.”
Ready to apply? Here’s what you’ll need:
• Enroll in an approved program
• Sign the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge
• Answer four questions about the pledge
• Make a video
• Have two solid references from a teacher or boss
• Verify school costs
• Provide a high school or college transcript
• Send your most recent 1040 tax form
• Submit your application by April 17, 2025, at 11:59 PM PT
“Opportunity,” Rowe said, “usually shows up in overalls and looks like work.”
Don’t wait – applications for the 2025 Work Ethic Scholarship Program are now open. With skilled trades offering stable careers and competitive salaries, this could be your chance to join the next generation of essential workers building America’s future.
