Big Top Dreams

Trade School Initiative

The Big Top Dreams Trade School Initiative is designed to provide young adults and individuals from underserved communities with access to skilled trade education and career pathways.

While traditional four year college is often emphasized, many individuals thrive in hands on, high demand careers that do not require a university degree. Unfortunately, access to trade education and certification programs can still be financially out of reach.

Turn moments of wonder into lasting impact.

This initiative provides scholarships, training access, and mentorship opportunities for individuals pursuing careers in skilled trades.

Trades may include but are not limited to:

• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Welding
• HVAC
• Carpentry
• Automotive technology
• Construction management
• Equipment operation
• Technical maintenance

By supporting these career paths, the program helps participants gain industry recognized certifications and immediate employment opportunities.

We identify real needs. We fund the vision. We help bring it to completion.

Program Implementation

In partnership with trade schools, nonprofits, and industry sponsors, the program provides:

Tuition and certification support

Mentorship and job placement

Tools and equipment

Transportation assistance

Participants gain access to stable, well-paying careers, while communities benefit from workforce development, reduced unemployment, and increased economic mobility.

Across the United States

skilled labor shortages are increasing

while many individuals lack access

to training programs that lead directly to stable careers.

Success is tracked through:

Scholarships awarded

Program completion and certification rates

Job placement within six months

Participant wage growth

Funding request

The foundation seeks funding to support scholarships, training materials, certifications, and program operations—helping individuals build careers and strengthen communities.

Vision for the future

The initiative aims to grow into a national workforce pipeline, connecting underserved individuals to skilled trades through partnerships in cities nationwide.

Big Top Dreams Foundation

Trade School Grant Application

Personal Information

Full Name

Date of Birth

Age

Address

City

State

ZIP

Phone Number

Email Address

Background Information

Current Employment Status

Current Employer (if applicable)

Highest Level of Education Completed

Are you currently enrolled in any educational program?

Yes No

Trade Program Information

Trade or Certification Program You Are Pursuing

Name of Accredited Trade School or Program

Location of School

Program Start Date

Expected Completion Date

Total Cost of Program

Amount of Financial Assistance Requested

Financial Need

Annual Household Income Range

Number of People in Household

Are you currently receiving any other scholarships or financial aid?

Yes No

Brief description of financial hardship or barriers preventing you from pursuing this program

Personal Statement

Why do you believe you are a strong candidate for this grant?

References

Reference 1

Name

Relationship to Applicant

Phone Number

Reference 2

Name

Relationship to Applicant

Phone Number

Supporting Documents

Applicants may be asked to submit:

Acceptance letter from accredited trade school
Tuition estimate or invoice
Resume (if available)
Letter of recommendation (optional but encouraged)

Certification & Agreement

I certify that the information provided in this application is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

If selected, I agree to:

Enroll in the program listed above
Maintain satisfactory progress
Provide proof of enrollment and completion
Allow Big Top Dreams Foundation to share my success story for impact reporting