New Scholarship Opens for Miami-Dade Students Pursuing Skilled Trades at Miami Dade College
The Trades Scholarship Fund supports career and technical education students — applications open now
CORAL GABLES, FL — Miami-Dade students who want to study HVAC, automotive technology, welding, aviation technology, plumbing, electronic systems, construction, or other skilled trades at Miami Dade College can now apply for scholarship support to help cover the costs of getting certified — tuition and fees, tools and equipment, uniforms, books, and transportation.
Administered by the Coral Gables Community Foundation, the Trades Scholarship Fund is accepting applications now for the Fall semester at MDC. It was seeded with generous support from the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation, led by E. Roe Stamps IV, and a group of committed local donors. Awards are based on individual need and program costs. Following this initial cycle, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for students beginning in upcoming terms.
The launch comes as demand for skilled trade workers in South Florida continues to grow. The Miami metro area led Florida in construction job growth in 2025, and industry projections suggest more than one million skilled trade jobs could go unfilled nationally by 2030. The Trades Scholarship Fund is designed to help close that gap locally — connecting motivated students with the financial support they need to complete their credentials and enter the workforce.
“Miami-Dade’s skilled trades workforce is the backbone of our regional economy, and we are proud to invest directly in the students who are building that future,” said Mauricio Vivero, President and CEO of the Coral Gables Community Foundation. “The Trades Scholarship Fund reflects our commitment to meeting students where they are — with practical, meaningful support for the real costs of getting trained and credentialed.”
Eligible applicants must be 25 years of age or younger, currently enrolled or accepted into a career and technical education program at Miami Dade College.
“We support this new fund because we believe that a career in the skilled trades is not a second choice — it is a first-rate path to a sustainable livelihood and a life of purpose,” said Mary Snow, Executive Director of the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation. “We are excited to see this scholarship reach students who have the drive and the talent to build something lasting.”
Applications are available at https://gablesfoundation.org/scholarships/trades/
About the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation
Building upon its 20-year track record of supporting extraordinary students, the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation is pleased to expand its investment in student success by recognizing and supporting individuals pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Through this initiative, the Foundation aims to reward exceptional students who demonstrate dedication, talent, and a commitment to building meaningful careers in high-demand trades that strengthen our communities and economy.
About the Coral Gables Community Foundation
The Coral Gables Community Foundation partners with individuals, families and corporations to create Donor Advised Funds and other charitable giving accounts that support impactful philanthropy. More at gablesfoundation.org.
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Media Contact: Bessy Barbeite, Development & Marketing Coordinator, 305-446-9670 | media@gablesfoundation.org
