We see many young people today thinking if they don’t go to college, they are missing out on opportunities. While going to college is an option, it is not the only one. In the agriculture industry we understand that we need more than just the businessman. We need trade school students, farmers, mechanics, ranchers, electricians, and so many more. Mike Rowe, former “Dirty Jobs” host and long-time advocate for skilled workers, set up the mikeroweWORKS Foundation over a decade ago to launch a national PR campaign for skilled labor.
According to the website, “Our crumbling infrastructure, our widening skills gap, the disappearance of vocational education, and the stratospheric rise in college tuition — these are not problems,” Rowe said. “These are symptoms of what we value. And right now, we have to reconnect the average American with the value of a skilled workforce. Only then, will the next generation aspire to do the work at hand.”
“We’re looking for the next generation of aspiring workers who will work smart and hard. This program doesn’t focus on test scores, grades, or grammar. It’s about the people who share our values and understand the importance of work ethic, personal responsibility, delayed gratification, and a positive attitude.”
“You can find all of the details when you apply below. Fair warning: the Work Ethic Scholarship Program is not for everyone. But if you’re someone who shows up early, stays late, and busts your ass day in and day out, you’re invited to apply.”
- Enroll in an approved program.
- Sign The S.W.E.A.T. Pledge.
- Answer three questions.
- Write an essay.
- Send at least 2 references from bosses/teachers.
- Make a short video.
- Verify school costs.
- Provide high school/college transcript.
- Submit financial info.
The 2019 Work Ethic Scholarship Program officially opens today and the deadline to submit applications is Thursday, March 28, 2019. Since the Work Ethic Scholarship Program inception, the foundation has given away $5 million to go towards the scholarships and other like-minded programs or initiatives that also work to close the skills gap.
