Who Can Apply:
- Henry and Cornelia Ritter lived out the values of hard work, humility, and servant leadership raising their family while also helping others in their community.
- Henry was a carpenter and his many descendants have pursued careers in various trades. The trades are a powerful pathway to economic independence, generational progress, and local impact. Not only do the trades allow individuals to earn a steady income and find career fulfillment, but they also allow them to serve, lead, and uplift their communities.
- This scholarship seeks to help make education available to low-income students who wish to pursue a trades career and also serve their communities.
- Any recently graduated or graduating high school senior, or trade school student, from a low-income family who wants to enroll/is enrolled in an accredited vocational or trade school program may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they have at least a 2.0 GPA and community service or volunteering experience. Applicants should also demonstrate leadership potential, empathy, involvement in family caregiving, part-time work, or other responsibilities that reflect character.
Submission: To apply, submit a video telling us about your career goals within the trades, your inspiration for pursuing this field, and how you hope to give back to others in the future. Please also submit a letter of recommendation from someone involved in the volunteering/community service activity you have participated in, such as a nonprofit employee, community service organizer, or community member.
Deadline: July 11, 2026
Amount: $5,000
Learn More: https://bold.org/scholarships/henry-and-cornelia-ritter-memorial-scholarship/