For DonorsFor Applicants

Slater Miller Memorial Fund

Funded by
user profile avatar
Miller Family
$5,380
5 winners, $1,076 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
Oct 19, 2024
Winners Announced
Nov 19, 2024
Education Level
Undergraduate
6
Contributions
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Trade school student
Financial Status:
Low-income
Background:
Non-profit or volunteering experience

Slater Miller was a beloved nephew who passed away too soon.

Slater was a machinist who graduated from the Minneapolis Community and Technical College in Minnesota. Slater was passionate about social issues, standing up for what’s right, and ultimately helping others. 

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Slater Miller by supporting trade school students with financial need. 

Any trade school student who is low-income and has non-profit and/or volunteering experience may apply for this scholarship. 

To apply, tell us why you want to pursue a career in the trades and what social causes you care about.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published February 27, 2024
Essay Topic

Why did you choose to pursue a career in the trades? What social causes do you care about and why?

400–600 words

Winning Applications

Mikaela Carter
San Joaquin Valley College-VisaliaMurrieta, CA
Growing up without a dad was a tough experience. I couldn't do the things other kids got to do and or experience. Even now paying for college, or buying any nice things I want for myself I have to work hard. Finishing high school was a huge challenge, but it paid off knowing I made my mom proud. All my mom wants for me is to succeed and not make the same mistakes she did. Due to her constant push, I have always had a hard drive to succeed, I can't fail and will try my absolute hardest to perform the best that I can. I have always been interested in being an electrician, I enjoy working with my hands and being outdoors. My current job is at Americas Tire and it made me fall even more in love with the thought of working with my hands. It wasn't easy at first and some days I still struggle, but it's a learning experience. As long as I keep pushing and never quitting I will be able to use these experiences in the real world to help myself as well as others. I do come from a single mother who raised 3 kids on her own, with her mother being an immigrant we always had huge shoes to fill. With the decisions my mother made growing up, the shoes got even bigger for me to fill. My mom was seen as a failure so I had to break the curse. I am a handworker who is trying to make a name for herself so I enrolled at UEI Oceanside to become an electrician but I'm trying to find ways to help pay for college. Any help I can get so I can take the correct steps towards a dream career is very appreciated. Trade work for me was always important because it is needed. The world is constantly growing and building and power is a necessity. It is also work that is desired especially because now kids want to work in front of a computer or from home but I know that my drive and desire to learn and gain real-life experience will set me apart from the rest of my competition. I hope that any support or help I gain along the journey will build me to succeed and become an awesome electrician who gets her job done but also remembers where she came from. I also hope that one day I can help kids who grew up just like me and give them the same opportunities that I received.
Michael Hatfield
Yuba CollegeMARYSVILLE, CA
Growing up, my family raised and hunted most of what we ate or grew it in our garden. We had enough money to get by, but because we didn’t have much money, if we wanted something (like a fence or a barn) we had to build it ourselves. When I was about ten, we had just moved, and needed to put up a fence, but dad couldn’t do it himself. He taught me to weld that summer on a pipe rail fence. By the time I got to high school, I was looking for a job. My school had just started a program for students to work part time on the maintenance and cleaning staff. I applied to the program and easily got the job. During the school year, I worked in maintenance occasionally, but during the breaks I worked on large improvement projects for the school. I was the only person on the maintenance staff who could weld. I ended up working as a welder throughout high school. I did maintenance and construction for athletics and some of our school’s other facilities. In my senior year, I started to seriously consider my career path. I knew I didn’t want to work in an office anywhere, so I started looking at trades. I had worked in many fields in my different summer jobs over the years, and decided that welding paid the best of the industries that I was familiar with. I ended up visiting a few trade schools and community colleges and picked one with the best reputation and gave me an opportunity for an associate’s degree if I decided to get one. I have now been at this school for a year, and I’m almost done with my welding certification. I have changed my plan to include manufacturing and fabrication as well as welding. My plan is to work in a fabricating or manufacturing shop for a few years until I can save up enough money to start my own. I love working with my hands and I’ve always enjoyed seeing a project come together. I want to work in my own shop until I decide to retire. I plan to use this career to better myself and support a family. Eventually, I want to buy land and retire and live off the land with my family and teach my children the skills that I grew up with, skills that are almost never found in our society anymore. I want to use my guess and my skills to help those around me and teach people how to take care of themselves. I want to use my ranch as summer camp for teens and young adults to learn, basics skills like gardening, welding, woodworking, and other skills that are not found in schools anymore. I always loved working in the woodshop with my grandfather. Sometimes my dad would come by and work with us. I want to make these skills common again so that more families can have this experience. I want to teach gardening and animal husbandry, so people won’t be as detached from their food as they are today. I want to give people who have never gone hunting the opportunity to go hunting and to clean, butcher, and process their own food. I want to help people who want fresh eggs and fresh milk, and fresh vegetables, but have no clue where to start. I want people who are trapped in the system, I want to build a community around health and living simply.
Morgan Stigall
Medical Career & Technical CollegeSomerset, KY
I chose the technical route for nursing for several reasons. The first being it allowed me to still be present with my toddler. I am a single mother who wanted to better myself so that I could provide a better life for my son. With that being said, in today’s society it is not easy to work and go to school and also provide for your family. I fall into the category that I make “too much” to get assistance but barely making ends meet. I am grateful for the financial aid I received, but it still not enough to cover the overall costs. Technical college has allowed me to work on my degree and that end goal of bettering myself, but in a shorter timeframe with a better schedule. Technical college has allowed me to go to school two days a week and work the other 5. I will have my LPN degree complete in 13 months vs two years at a community college and those programs are 4 days per week. I personally feel that I have a close relationship with all my instructors and we are valued vs a number enrolled at their school. It is personable and offers more one on one time. It gives students the opportunity to hold a degree/certification that employers like to see but without the traditional college experience. I have enjoyed and appreciated my experiences here at a technical college after also experiencing a community college and not succeeding there. I started out in an associates RN program through a community college and failed out of the program. I felt like I was not able to communicate and get the help I needed at that school. I was scared to return back to school and “fail again” but the technical college has given me another chance and been life changing for me and my son. I am so close to fulfilling my dream of being a nurse thanks to a technical college program. This will change my life and provide so many opportunities for my family. I have tried to promote and educate peers and others about technical colleges and programs and what they offer. I do not feel that people have an understanding or see it as the easy way out which is not the case at all. At the end of the day, I will sit for the same state board exams coming from a technical college that someone from a university will sit and take.
Ronnie Climer
Full Sail UniversityNorman, OK
i chose to pursue a career in the trades because I firmly believe that trade schools prepare students for the world of work better than any college or institute in the United States. Now, in full transparency, I plan on going to college to further accelerate my career and get to a point where I can try to make change in the trade school/career tech system. A trade isn't just a job, it's something you are more-than-skilled at and it's something that you enjoy. You also serve a higher purpose in your community by being a tradesman or tradeswoman because it shows ambition, confidence, and knowledge. Social cause awareness is high but not where it needs to be. For example, I feel like members of the LGBTQIA+ community are represented but still heavily judged because of religious-based-notions that are not only extremely grotesque but absolutely juvenile. While being in trade school I worked and studied alongside students who identified as gay, lesbian, trans, asexual, gender fluid, and the list goes on. They were some of the nicest and most caring people on the planet to me even though most of them had a fear of men who were veterans. We all learned and grew to be better people by just simply having conversations about our backgrounds and upbringings. So 100%, more social tolerance for LGBTQIA+ people. Another social cause we don't hear enough about from our "fearless leaders" is the genocide of innocent Palestinian men, women, and children. The absolutely disgusting and soulless lack of regard when it comes to the American-funded, Israeli-enforced murders of innocent people under the name of "God" is one of the biggest reasons why more and more people are choosing to be against organized religion. We, as a country that prides itself on being the best in the world, chooses time and time again to ignore the pleas of people who need our help because we have leaders who work 9 months out of the year, making more money than 90% of Americans, who are greenlighting American-funded missile strikes on hospitals where children, infants, and babies are seeking help and refuge. We as American citizens need to become louder with our distain of this genocide. We need the world to know that, even though we are Americans, not all of us are okay with the idea of out tax money being used to destroy generations of possible-future doctors, lawyers, scientists, etc. Part of continuing my studies is to not only teach graphic design, but inspire future generations and educate them on the importance of consuming knowledge and acceptance of others.
Kohl Bastion
Pennsylvania College of TechnologyCanton, PA
Most of my life I was lost and had no direction. My parents tried their best to raise me correctly but had me at a young age and were also growing up themselves. I had a lot to deal with growing up both mentally and in my environment. I had depression from a young age and undiagnosed bipolar 2. This mixed with a lack of guidance caused me walk around lost. Luckily for me in my 10th grade year I got to sign up for a course at Northern Tier Career Center. I ended up choosing Heating ventilation air conditioning and refrigeration. I was nervous at first. I had no experience with anything hands on. My teacher, Mr. Davidson, luckily was a great teacher and did teach me a lot with my two years there. I learned more than just the trade, I also got to learn practices is still use in my life to this day. In a way he was the guidance I needed at this age. My first semester I tried my hardest to learn and did quite well, my senior year wasn't anywhere as good. I had a lot going on in my personal life with my family and personal relationships that worsened my depression. I still graduated despite all this and got my 900-hour certificate. I tried a construction job after high school and hated it. It killed my passion for trades. I decided I would just work until I figured out what I wanted to do. I didnt like the environments these jobs had. At my last full time job, I decided to give the trades another try. I applied for electrical construction at Pennsylvania college of technology and got accepted. I got through my first year and am very happy I took the leap to try school again. Getting to work with my hands again and learn all the details about electricity revied my love for the trades. Again the great teachers I have helped me through life. Through the rocky road that is my own mental health, I have a deep compassion for men who suffer from mental illness. Many men believe to be a man you need to not talk about your problems. That you must hide how you are feeling to be accepted. This leads men to taking their own lives, seeing no other way out of this person hell they have created. I believe if we break down this barrier, we could lower this percentage and make a better society for everyone. Having more fathers, sons and significant others around to enjoy the life we were given.
Carrie Jones
University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for the generosity of the “Slater Miller Memorial Fund” administered by the Miller Family to offer this phenomenal opportunity to 2022 scholastic candidates! I would also like to extend congratulations to your organization for accomplishing great feats and soaring unparalleled heights in the automotive industry for students, educators, and organizations. I am applying to the “Slater Miller Memorial Fund” as a quantum leap to catapult change in the landscape of the City of Cincinnati and the State of Ohio – one life at a time, starting with my very own. In the spirit of Slater Miller, it is my utmost desire to study in the living legacy of inventors, and engineers who pioneered and rebranded the United States via a trade - the auto industry. Although women are almost half of the US labor force, they represent just over one-quarter of the Automotive Workforce. In 2020: Women held 26.1% of jobs in the motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment manufacturing industry. Women of color made up a fraction of employees in the industry: Black women: 6.2% Asian women: 1.7%  Latinas: 3.1%  White women: 17.5% Women were 21.1% of automobile dealers and 9.0% of automotive repair and maintenance employees (Catalyst.org). The social causes I care about and intend to address are wage disparity, equity, inclusion, and representation in underrepresented fields. Therefore, as a double minority, enrolled in Cincinnati State Technical and Community College’s Pre-Business Administration Program for Accelerated Summer Session 2022 seeking a trade as Automotive Technician starting in Fall 2022 to break barriers, shatter glass ceilings and demystify socio-economical stigmas about women in business and automotive industry. As a double minority in the United States of America, I embody the “American Dream” by electing to harness the reigns of education in underrepresented fields in pursuit of liberty, opportunity, prosperity, and success through education despite my gender, race, socio-economic status or circumstances at birth, as a first-generation student, by choosing to attend college to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree with a specialized trade as a female automotive technician through innovation, technology, engineering, and business. I am currently a participating member of the Honors Program, Trio Program, and Collegiate Writing Club. I look forward to working with Miller Family, as an exemplary student and candidate of honor, shortly to enhance the lives of individuals, families, and businesses - nationwide. Thank you in advance for your scholastic investment, Carrie M. Jones
Lisa Davis
New England Tractor Trailer Training School of ConnecticutWest Hartford, CT
Amanda Villa
Victor Valley CollegeApple Valley, CA
For me it's not just a career that I am pursuing its my passion. I have always loved all things automotive, so when I decided it was time to go back to school I also decided I would change careers and fallow my passion instead. My favorite part of automotive is there's so many different ways to turn my love of cars into a career. Being a active member of the offroad community I decided to choose offroad fabrication as my career path with the hopes of one day having my own shop doing everything from recreational offroad vehicles to offroad race cars. Although I knew alot about cars and fixing them I knew I needed a proper education. I also knew that going into offroad fabrication I would need to learn how to weld, so I am currently going to school for both automotive and welding. I am glad I made this choice because I really enjoy doing both so for me it's not working hard to reach my career goals but it's doing something I love everyday to be able to achieve my goals. One social issue that is really close to my heart for many reason is our Vetrens and the lasting effect war has on them when they return from war. Be it a physical effect from injuries why deployed or a mental battle they have after, they need to have more resources available to them. They fought for our freedom so after they get home we should fight for them. Our offroad club has several vetrens from different branches of military and we also take part in events like 4wheel for vets where we take a group of disabled vets on trail rides either helping the through in their own vehicle or thoes that don't drive get to ride in our rigs. One major reason this is very important to me is that my fiance, and owner of our offroad club, was an army vet. He was the most wonderful father to my kids, and was even going to adopt my daughter, who's dad bailed on us when she was 6 months. We lost him on March 15, 2022, the day before my daughter's 6th birthday. He had alot of heath issues both physical and mental from war and his humvee being blown up. He struggled with PTSD, and had lasting medical issue he would have to fight with the VA to do anything about this. He had a pace maker put I'm after having a heart attack over a year ago, which was caused by medical issues from the war. The night he passed I was at school until 9pm and he was home with my daughter, I got home to find her crying and scared and him face down. His pace maker had failed causing him to have another heart attack. He had been fighting with the VA for a couple months telling them he thought there was still something wrong, but they hadn't done anything about it. Now he's gone, and it has pushed me to fight even harder for veteran resources, while also trying to hold our family together and finish school but it's been very hard financially with losing our only source of income.
Phineas Porter
Career College of Northern NevadaReno, NV
When you learn how to become a welder, you aren’t just setting yourself up for one type of job. Upon your graduation, you’ll be qualified to work as a professional welder in a variety of industries. Fields in which you could have a career after you’ve earned your education include: Construction Energy Oil and gas Manufacturing Automotive Industrial maintenance I chose a career in welding because it’s easy to get into with a two year certification program and no prior experience. There’s a huge demand for welders and it’s easy to climb the ladder It pays well. Entry-level welders earn $40,000 a year on average, and the increase continues regularly, up to between $50,000 to $500,000 with experience in a good field. You can travel the world as a welder. It’s easy to pick up side work if you need extra income. It’s easy to start your own business. It’s enjoyable work. You learn valuable skills to use outside work.The welding industry is so diverse with a wide variety of jobs, such as working on bridges, buildings, pressure vessels, and heat exchangers, to name a few. Additionally, there are opportunities available across many exciting industries, including construction, engineering, automobile, and aerospace. Welding is a very rewarding and challenging career that is extremely important for industry and construction. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates welding jobs will grow 4% over the next several years. This means there will be plenty of job opportunities to choose from. Welders don’t have to worry about being stuck in a cubicle. While the working conditions are often physically demanding, those who enjoy working in various settings, both indoors and outdoors, enjoy working at different locations. As a welder, I can help with social causes such as poverty and homelessness by volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. To build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter, Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home. They believe affordable housing plays a critical role in strong and stable communities. Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. It partners with people in your community, and all over the world, to help them build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. With my support, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and for their families. Through their 2020 Strategic Plan, Habitat for Humanity will serve more people than ever before through decent and affordable housing.
Matthew Spiccioli
Johnson CollegeKingston, PA
Graduating from High School was a very scary thought and idea for me. Where was I going to go? What was I going to do? How would my life have changed after 4 years of being in school? Well, fast forward a year later and I am enrolled in a trade school. So why did I decide to attend a trade school? I was never really excited or enthusiastic when college would be brought up by my friends and family. I just couldn’t see myself going to school for another 4 years, and studying something I knew I would have no interest in. Growing up, my father was always doing projects around the house and really enjoyed working with his hands, and I think that really interested me. Another contributing factor to my interest in the trades was the ability to start working at such a young age. Most degrees and careers that people go to study in typical college require a minimum of 4 years whereas a trade school is typically 2 years, like the one I am currently attending. To me, the comparison in time and money was a very big consideration. I also attended a Catholic High School, where blue collar work was not promoted or encouraged. Many public schools have the opportunity for students to take shop classes or co-op programs, whereas a Catholic school does not. I personally think that it is unfair, because not every student who attends a Catholic school, plans on attending a college afterwards. After all of these considerations and thoughts, I enrolled in a local trade school. As far as what trade I am studying one may ask? Electrical. Why am electrical? Well, after some research and conversation with family friends who are electricians, I decided that it would be for me. Electricians in my opinion are one of the highest paying trade jobs there are, and one of the most in demand. I think that studying electricity and how it works is complex, which makes me want to further investigate as to how things actually work, and why things happen the way they do. I see myself being an electrician for the rest of my life and I feel confident and proud to say it. I would recommend the trades or blue collar work in general to anyone, especially if you are like me and like to work with your hands. The opportunities are endless, and the demand for these jobs are higher than they ever were before. Now is the time to get into this industry, and to continue it for the generations to come.
Lorenz Anderson
Santa Fe CollegeGainesville, FL
Human beings are innately resilient creatures. I have faced numerous battles throughout my life, overcoming obstacles and evolving as new challenges arise. Resilience empowers me to fight; adaptability allows me to adjust to ever-changing circumstances; furthermore, accountability anchors my drive to take responsibility for my choices. I was left to survive independently in my youth; the cruel fate of cancer robbed me of both parents, leaving me to navigate this world on my own. I was ten when my mother, my sole refuge in this world, succumbed to the ravages of breast cancer.       Helpless, I watched as she withered away before my eyes. I was there when she was clinging to the toilet, puking her guts from the radiation treatments. She braved the trials of chemotherapy and radiation, but in the end, the cancer virus overpowered her, eroding her essence until she was a memory. My father passed from prostate cancer two years later, unlike most peers who can rely on their parents for support. I am the support system emotionally, physically, and financially.       Many take housing for granted the ability to come home to a warm cook meal or simply turn the key to unlock your personalized sanctuary. In America, we are facing a homelessness crisis with limited housing supply. I am pursuing a Construction Management degree at Santa Fe College to be able to start a construction business; However, my long-term goal is to create a trade apprenticeship school.             Skills and trades are essential for our success in today's society, but many lack access to the education and training we need to thrive. Previous generations were lucky enough to attend high schools that provided apprenticeship courses in various trades, such as Woodshop, electrical, plumbing, and auto mechanics. These skills provided them with employment or entrepreneurship opportunities that allowed them to support their families and communities. I believe that it is essential to have transferable job skills to succeed. We must create opportunities for education and training in skilled trades that can lead to employment and entrepreneurship. I'm determined to establish a trade apprenticeship school, providing access to the skills and knowledge to empower communities and create substantial economic change.      I am a product of public housing; the harsh realities of living in low-income developments every day was survival of the fittest I survived shootouts, domestic violence, drugs, and mental health disorders that plagued my community, bearing witness to drugs that destroyed families forcing children to turn to gun violence, leaving them to turn to gangs for a false sense of family security. I watched many in my community bleed out on the concrete streets. While some overdosed, hunched over against the brick buildings. Yet, they did not own a street or brick. They left no generational wealth, only section 8 vouchers of misery.       However, on the other side of that coin, I saw fierce mothers protecting and providing for their children, making daily sacrifices to place food on the table. My community's survival boot camp environment molded the individual I am today. My adversities and real-life experiences in low-income public housing allow me to witness society's worst attributes and, yet, the true beauty of the resilience of humanity.       For me, it's not merely about offering individuals the opportunity of homeownership at an affordable rate but also providing employment opportunities for individuals like myself, who are often left with few options. I would like to be able to help those who might have lost their way on the path to their dreams. I aim to create real economic change in communities, transforming the narrative from survival to thriving.
Derek Otter
Summit CollegeSantee, CA
In the vast landscape of career choices, I stumbled upon welding, and little did I know that this discovery would ignite a flame of passion within me. Now, as I embark on my journey as a beginner welder, I seek your support through a welding grant that will enable me to explore and develop my skills in this dynamic field. This essay delves into my reasons for choosing welding, my aspirations for the future, and how this grant will play a pivotal role in shaping my professional growth. As I ventured into the world of welding, I quickly realized that it is more than just a trade; it is an art form and a technical skill that demands precision and creativity. The ability to take raw materials and transform them into functional structures or artistic pieces spoke to my innate desire to create and shape tangible objects with my hands. Welding offers a world of possibilities, from constructing towering skyscrapers to crafting intricate sculptures that evoke emotions. Having researched various career paths, I discovered that welding is a rapidly evolving industry, with vast opportunities in manufacturing, construction, and even aerospace. The demand for skilled welders continues to grow, making it a field of immense potential for personal and financial growth. Additionally, welding's portability and versatility excite me, as it provides opportunities to work on diverse projects in different locations, further enriching my experiences and skills. As a beginner in welding, I understand that this path will not be without challenges. However, I am prepared to invest time and effort to learn and master the techniques required to become a proficient welder. This welding grant will offer me access to top-notch training programs, workshops, and educational resources. By immersing myself in these opportunities, I can enhance my technical skills, broaden my understanding of industry practices, and stay updated on the latest welding technologies. Moreover, this grant will provide me with the chance to work with experienced mentors and peers, fostering a supportive learning environment that will fuel my progress. With this welding grant, I envision forging a path toward a fulfilling and successful future. My immediate goal is to obtain industry-recognized certifications that will attest to my expertise and dedication to welding. I also plan to gain practical experience through internships and apprenticeships, which will equip me with real-world knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, I am determined to contribute to my community through my welding skills. From supporting local construction projects to collaborating with artists in creating public sculptures, I want to use welding as a means to give back and make a positive impact. In conclusion, my journey as a beginner welder is just beginning, and I am eager to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Welding is not merely a job; it is a passion that fuels my desire to create, learn, and grow. The support provided by this welding grant will play a transformative role in shaping my future as a skilled welder, allowing me to pursue my aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society. I sincerely thank you for considering my application for this welding grant and investing in my dreams of becoming a proficient welder. From the moment I held a welding torch in my hands, I was captivated by the transformative power of fusing metals. Now, as I embark on my journey as a beginner welder, I seek your support through a welding grant that will enable me to explore and develop my skills in this dynamic field. Thank you, Derek Otter
Austin Waggoner
Midwest Technical Institute-East PeoriaPekin, IL
I, austin waggoner, am pursuing this trade for the purpose of offering affordable help in the field. As most people are aware, trade jobs pay well at the expense of the customer. I hope to use my skills to volunteer my time and resources that I can spare for low income families such as my own. I will work for a company who pay moderately as most company's in this trade do, and on the side offer services to those who are not as well off as the clients I service with the company. In times of need, I will be the guy they want to call due to my persistence, and ambition to do the job efficiently, and effectively. I have always been a tinker whilst growing up, and never truly stopped. I hope to expand to other forms of education such as a more in depth education in electrical, plumbing and metal work to harness more skills, and techniques to improve myself. As all people though I do have end goals. My end goal for a career in hvac would be a hobby in the end strictly to help those less fortunate than I. I have an incredibly and Insatiable lust for hvac as it truly Caters to my need to help others and keeps my mind occupied as it often wonders while idle. While it may be considered selfish to join a career for the sake of praise, this is not my only reason. I have always had an affinity to the arts such as wood, metal ceramic or mixed media. I find hvac to be a great use of my artistic skills as a lot of metal work such as galvanized sheet metal is used in ductwork. This ductwork I find myself to be especially great in, incorporates my artistic abilities. Aside from my artsy side, I do have a Mechanical aspect to myself. I have always had a love of vehicles and maintaining them. This aspect I find to be very inclusive with my hvac skills. Not only do my passions improve my skill in this field, my upbringing has been a big part of my artistic and Mechanical prowess. I was raised adopted into my great aunts family. She is a single mom who raised my father, my uncle, my siblings, and myself. My Mother grew up in the exact situation I grew up in and learned to be independent at a very young age. She learned how to work on her car and fix electrical and repair problems to save money. These skills she learned became the skills that I learned and involved me in the world of trade. Without my upbringing I do not believe I would have ever even thought about hvac, or Mechanical, or even trade work in general. She became my inspiration to better myself and in turn better the people around me with the skills I have to offer this trade field. I truly appreciate the chance to get this scholarship and to possibly honor slater Miller. Thank you for the opportunity.
Noname Yang
Saint Paul CollegeSaint Paul, MN
DeMarques Alexander Dixon
Pittsburgh Institute of AeronauticsNewark, DE
Early in my childhood, I was taught only two things when I lived in the hood, “Don’t get caught and if you do, don’t fold.”. Often I kept myself busy as a youth doing bad stuff in the streets with my friends, but all I knew, being a 12 year old, was that if I ever get caught, the time won’t be too much because I was under 18. And at the time, Juvenile Detention was just a playground for more bad kids like me, so it wasn’t anything to be afraid of. But a switch clicked in my head when my best friend’s dad died when I was 17. He would always show us his cool projects he would be working on with the cars he had in his garage. I remember one time, the jack almost broke under the car, and I was under it. That was definitely a memory to keep, but my best friend's dad saved my life by pulling me out from under the car as soon as he saw it happen. Not a day goes by that I’m not working hard in school, on my car, or in athletics, and I thank the mentality I have to allow me to do so. I remember one thing he told us both, was that if we ever decide to be an engineer, that we should be our own vision of an engineer and have our own method. He said, if you become and stay an oddball you’ll have the better chance of standing out in front of big companies, and if you work there you have the better chance of making real changes and leaving your mark in history. With that said, I told myself after I graduate high school that I’ll learn a trade. I was never keen for a behind the desk job anyway so it was either a trade or the military, so I chose a trade. The first school I applied to was Williamson College of Trades, there were a lot of people who decided to apply the year I did, sadly I didn’t get in, but I didn’t let that faze me. I started researching the Air Force and the different jobs that they offered. I noticed applying to PIA, an aviation technical trade school, that if I were to get my degree from there and then apply to the Air Force then I would automatically become an officer or even have a higher rank because I’m already FAA certified. There are many social issues in the world, but I feel that the lack of proper education in Inner-city schools comes unfairly unspoken about it. I’ve noticed firsthand the difference between Inner-city and Suburban schools. Inner-city institutions fail to care about the evolution of their students and the importance of having teachers that care and teach for students to retain and learn, rather than just showing slideshows, collecting their paycheck and calling it a day. In order to have the proper teachers, schools have to have the proper funding to be able to hire teachers with more experience, and in order to do that they have to be given more money from either city funding, sponsors or government agencies.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Oct 19, 2024. Winners will be announced on Nov 19, 2024.