1. Scholarship Overview
The Arc Foundation is proud to offer the DeWalt Grow the Trades Scholarship, a program designed to support aspiring welders by helping them purchase the tools needed for success. This scholarship is funded through a generous grant from Stanley Black & Decker to be awarded during the 2025 calendar year. Scholarships will be distributed based on financial need and merit to students attending qualifying welding schools in Texas and South Carolina.
2. Scholarship Details
- Amount: Up to $1,000 per student.
- Use of Funds: The scholarship must be applied toward the purchase of required toolkits. At least 33% of the toolkit’s value must be from Stanley Black & Decker family brands.
- Eligibility Period: Scholarships are awarded to students that start during the 2025 calendar year and complete their original enrollment and funded upon graduation.
- Scholarship Allocation: The foundation intends to distribute the scholarships evenly throughout the year. Awards will be granted to the highest needs on a first-come, first-served basis each month.
3. Eligibility Requirements
Student Eligibility:
- Enrolled in an accredited welding program of at least 26 weeks at a qualifying school.
- Must demonstrate financial need as defined by Tuition Gap criteria below.
- Must provide a personal statement explaining their passion for pursuing a welding career.
- Must graduate without being dropped. No re-enrollments after withdrawal. Be sure you are ready to start.
Qualifying School:
- Privately owned, Title IV-approved, and in good financial standing (i.e., School is not on Department of Education's Heightened Cash Monitoring list ).
- Accredited by ACCET and meeting minimum completion and placement benchmarks (67% and 70%, respectively).
- Located in Texas or South Carolina.
4. Scholarship Criteria
Need-Based Criteria:
- Scholarships are calculated at $200 for every $1,000 of the Tuition Gap, up to a maximum of $1,000, calculated on a pro rata basis.
- The Tuition Gap is typically the balance remaining on the funding sheet after adding back third party, non-governmental loans such as MiaShare or Climb.
- Example calculation is Tuition and School Fees less Pell Grant and other scholarships.
- The Tuition Gap must be greater than $1,500 to qualify.
- Student must apply for all applicable state, agency and/or federal student aid before applying. Supporting documents may be required prior to approving award.
Merit-Based Criteria:
- Must attend a Qualifying School.
- Must be enrolled in an accredited welding program of 26 weeks or more with a confirmed start date.
- Submit a completed application and personal statement.
- Provide proof of graduation upon completion.
5. Application Process
Step 1: Verify that your school qualifies:
- Schools must apply to the Arc Foundation to confirm their eligibility.
- If you're not sure, contact Arc Foundation to verify. Phone and email are below.
Step 2: Complete the student application:
- Submit your application online through the Arc Foundation’s website.
- Include all required documentation, including your personal statement.
Step 3: Graduation Proof:
- After completing your welding program, provide evidence of graduation to finalize the scholarship process.
6. How to Apply
Apply Now: Complete application form on this page. You will receive a confirmation email with further instructions. Reply to that email with the following Required Documents.
Required Documents: Checklist of required items for the application:
- Proof of enrollment in a qualifying program. Ex: Enrollment Agreement
- Financial aid documentation to verify tuition gap. Ex: Funding Sheet that shows balance owed net of grants and other scholarships.
- If requested, evidence that student has applied for all applicable state, agency and/or federal student aid.
- Graduation certificate to be submitted after program completion. By submitting an application for this scholarship, you are consenting to the Arc Foundation’s direct request to your institution for verification of your graduation status.
7. Scholarship Funding
Your school will receive this scholarship award as a conditional source of funds pending your graduation, as per the terms above. Upon successful completion of your welding training, the Arc Foundation will transfer the scholarship funds directly to your school. The credit will be reflected as a discount to your balance owed, with all conditions removed.
Arc Foundation reserves the right to cancel a scholarship program at any time. Awarded scholarships will be honored if students meet eligibility requirements. Arc Foundation’s decisions are final.
8. Contact Information
For questions or additional support, please contact:
Arc Foundation Scholarship Team
info@ArcFoundationUS.org
(864) 520-2465