The Mike Rowe Scholarship is an exciting opportunity for students looking to get trained for skilled jobs and careers. Established by Mike Rowe, host of the hit TV show Dirty Jobs, this scholarship aims to help close the skills gap in America by providing financial assistance to students pursuing education in skilled trades such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, transportation and more.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Mike Rowe Scholarship, including eligibility requirements, how to apply, application timeline, selection criteria, award details, required documents, and FAQs.
Overview of the Mike Rowe Scholarship
The Mike Rowe Scholarship program was started in 2018 by the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Mike Rowe. The main goal of the scholarship is to provide support to students enrolled in vocational training programs and career and technical education courses that lead to industry-recognized certifications and credentials.
The award amount is $5,000 which can be used to cover tuition fees, books, tools, uniforms, transportation costs and other qualified expenses related to your training program. The scholarship is a one-time, non-renewable award.
Eligibility – Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Mike Rowe Scholarship, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal U.S. resident above the age of 18.
- Be enrolled or planning to enroll in a technical/vocational program leading to a certification/license or associate degree at an accredited U.S. educational institution including technical schools, community colleges, and high schools offering career and technical education programs.
- Demonstrate financial need (be able to document financial need upon request).
- Be willing to work 400 hours on a skilled job site as requested by the Foundation. This helps provide on-the-job training opportunities for scholarship winners.
How to Apply for the Mike Rowe Scholarship
Applications are accepted annually from mid-August to late October. Here are the steps to apply:
1. Check Eligibility
Before applying, double check that you meet all the eligibility criteria listed above.
2. Gather Required Documents
You’ll need to submit the following documents along with the application form:
- Proof of enrollment or acceptance letter from your vocational education program/school.
- Two reference letters vouching for your passion, grit, work ethic, and character.
- Your resume highlighting your education, experience, and skills.
- Essays responding to prompt questions in the application.
3. Complete the Online Application
Go to the mikeroweWORKS Foundation website during the application period and complete the online application form. You’ll be required to provide your personal and contact details, education and work history, extracurricular activities, essay responses, and upload necessary documents.
4. Submit Supporting Documents
Email your supporting documents like proof of enrollment, reference letters, resume and any other required attachments to scholarships@mikeroweworks.org. Use your full name and Scholarship ID in the subject line.
5. Confirm Submission
You’ll receive a confirmation email once your application is successfully submitted. Save this email for your records.
Mike Rowe Scholarship Application Timeline
Here are the key dates in the Mike Rowe scholarship application timeline:
- Mid August – Scholarship application goes live.
- Late October – Application deadline (last date to submit).
- December – Selected semi-finalists are notified and interviewed.
- February – Final scholarship recipients are announced.
- May/June – Award checks are mailed to recipients.
Apply as early as possible once applications open in August. Incomplete and late applications are automatically rejected.
Selection Criteria – How are Recipients Chosen?
The Mike Rowe Scholarship selection is highly competitive with thousands of applicants every year. An independent selection committee reviews all eligible applications based on the following criteria:
- Financial need – Applicants must demonstrate financial hardship and need for the scholarship to pursue their vocational education.
- Passion and interest – Applicants must showcase deep passion for their chosen skilled trade and genuine interest in a hands-on career.
- Goals and impact – Selection is based on how an applicants’ training goals align with and will support the mission of mikeroweWORKS Foundation.
- Skills and ability – Applicants are assessed for skills, ability, diligence and likelihood to succeed in their vocation.
- Character – Applicants must showcase grit, resilience, honesty, work ethic and determination in the face of challenges.
- Recommendations – Strong reference letters vouching for an applicant also boost selection chances.
- Interview – Shortlisted semi-finalists undergo video interview and skills assessment before final selection.
Mike Rowe Scholarship Award Details
Here are key details about the scholarship award:
- The Mike Rowe Scholarship provides a one-time award of $5,000 per recipient which does not renew.
- The $5,000 award can be used to cover qualified academic expenses like tuition, books, tools, uniforms, transportation costs related to the applicant’s vocational program.
- The scholarship money is sent directly to the recipient’s accredited school, college or program towards first term expenses.
- Before award disbursement, recipients must provide proof of enrollment and good standing at their vocational education institution.
- Recipients are required to work 400 hours in their skilled trade as requested by the Foundation. This provides on-the-job training for scholarship winners.
- The award payment schedule depends on the recipient’s program timeline and hours requirement fulfillment.
Required Documents for Scholarship Application
Make sure you have these documents ready before starting the Mike Rowe Scholarship application:
- Proof of Enrollment – Acceptance letter from accredited program or enrollment verification from school/college registrar.
- Reference Letters – Two recommendation letters speaking to your character, passion and work ethic. Letters can be from teachers, employers, coaches, counselors etc.
- Resume – A current resume highlighting your relevant education, experience, extracurriculars, honors, and skills.
- Responses to Essays – Type out your essay responses to the prompt questions in a Word doc to copy/paste into the online form.
- ID Documents – Have a digital copy of your social security card, driver’s license or other legal identification ready to upload.
- Passport Photo – A recent passport-sized headshot photo (2″x2″) to upload with your application.
- FAFSA SAR – If enrolled, provide your FAFSA Student Aid Report to demonstrate financial need.
The Mike Rowe Scholarship is an incredible opportunity to fund your career education and get trained for skilled jobs that are in high demand across the country. If you meet the eligibility criteria, be sure to submit a thoughtful application highlighting your passion, need and strengths before the deadline. This guide covers everything you need – from how to apply to required documents and FAQs. So get ready and apply smartly to increase your chances of securing the coveted Mike Rowe Scholarship!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions about the Mike Rowe Scholarship:
Q: What types of programs are eligible for the scholarship?
A: Vocational and technical training programs in industries like manufacturing, construction, transportation, healthcare, IT, and more that lead to a license, certificate or associate degree are eligible.
Q: Can the scholarship be used for a bachelor’s degree?
A: No, the Mike Rowe Scholarship only supports vocational education and training programs up to an associate degree level.
Q: How do I demonstrate financial need?
A: Submit your FAFSA SAR report, a letter explaining your need, documentation of loans, Pell grants, etc. that show you cannot afford the program costs without this scholarship.
Q: Can I reapply if I don’t get selected?
A: Yes, you can reapply for the Mike Rowe Scholarship again the next year as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. You have to submit a new complete application each time.
Q: When will I receive the award amount if selected?
A: The $5,000 award is mailed to recipients in May/June before the next academic year. The check is sent directly to your accredited school or college.
Q: Are there any conditions attached to the scholarship?
A: Yes, you must be willing to work 400 hours in your skilled trade as requested by the Foundation for on-the-job training.
Q: Does scholarship application guarantee selection?
A: No, applying does not guarantee selection as winners are chosen through a highly competitive national selection process based on merit.
Q: Who do I contact for scholarship questions?
A: Email any questions about eligibility, required documents, application status etc. to the scholarship administrator at scholarships@mikeroweworks.org.