FCPS ACE scholarships available for trade skills training
Fairfax County Public Schools Adult and Community Education (FCPS ACE) invites students interested in careers in the skilled trades to apply for a scholarship.
Current and prospective FCPS ACE students can apply for a $1,000 scholarship that can be used toward upcoming apprenticeship classes starting this fall. The deadline to apply is Aug. 15.
This targeted initiative aims to support low-income adults living or working in Fairfax County who are seeking credentials in high-demand fields, such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
FCPS ACE awarded nearly $40,000 in scholarships to apprenticeship students during the past year. Thanks to additional assistance from the Adult and Community Education Training and Scholarship Foundation, the program can now offer $40,000 in scholarships just for this fall. Additional funds are expected to be available later in the year.
Related story: Summer course focuses on health careers
FCPS ACE also launched Apprenticeship 101 this summer, a discounted introductory class for high school students in the upper grades, new graduates, and those seeking a career change in the construction trades.
The course uses a curriculum from the National Center for Construction Education & Research. It covers such topics as basic safety, hand and power tools, construction math, communication skills, and construction drawings. Students also gain an understanding of real-world applications.
According to FCPS ACE, its programs “empower individuals to build brighter futures through accessible and affordable workforce development and training.”
“There are tremendous growth opportunities within the trades in this region,” says ACE Administrator Paul Steiner. “Year over year, we see how impactful the scholarship program is in empowering students to stay on their education path and accelerate their journey toward apprenticeship certifications and careers.”
Access the scholarship application here. For more information, contact [email protected].
Related story: FCPS adult education department expands online courses