Mike Rowe’s scholarship program is making a change in young workers’ lives.
On Aug. 27, Rowe shared a letter from one of his foundation’s scholarship recipients. The student, Karcsi, is now an aerospace welder, which he credits to Rowe.
“I admire the fact that you changed direction when you realized college was not for you. Too many who come to that realization ‘stay the course,’ and while that always sounds like good advice, it often is not,” Rowe told him. “Staying the course only makes sense if you’re headed in the right direction. I’m glad you course-corrected before you wound up in debt for a credential you don’t need.”
Rowe was inspired by Karcsi and made an ad, Man Behind the Mask, based on the letter he received. This year, mikeroweWORKS will grant $10 million in scholarships.
“Good luck, Karcsi, and thanks for checking in. Keep me posted,” Rowe finished in his post.
Many people commented their agreement or similar experience to Karsci’s in the comment section.
Related: Mike Rowe Announces High School Curriculum Focused on Work Ethic
“This is such a great story. I was in a material program management role at Northrop Grumman about 5 years ago. We had a subcontract for titanium welding at a well-known fabricator, and the results were horrendous. There is a *legitimate* need for these kinds of roles. I hope more people pursue this path because it can lead you all SORTS of crazy places. (For me-a HGTV episode)” one person said.
Prospective applicants can seek funding for education in construction, manufacturing, HVAC, energy, transportation, technology, agriculture, public service and personal service like cosmetology, according to the scholarship’s website.
Rowe has already awarded $3 million in scholarships this year to 322 applicants all over the US.
“Our goal is to award a total $10 million in scholarships this year, and thanks to our sponsors, we have the funds to make that happen. That doesn’t mean we’ll award the full $10 million. Despite the pressing need for skilled tradespeople nationwide, our program is still rooted in work ethic, and we don’t grade on a curve,” Rowe explained.
He doesn’t want to just give the money away — he wants proof that his applicants have a hard work ethic.
“The application process and the requirements therein are not negotiable, and I remain very stingy with the money we raise from our many sponsors,” he said.
Right now, there is a skilled trades shortage. For every five skilled laborers who retire, there are only two to replace them. Rowe’s scholarship helps remove barriers so that America can get the laborers it needs.
Read Next: Mike Rowe Awards 200 Scholarships to Vocational School Students
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