The Routt County Regional Building Department has established a Trade Scholarship Fund with the Yampa Valley  Community Foundation (YVCF), contributing a total of $20,000 dollars to the Fund. Below we have provided some  quick facts and frequently asked questions about the Trade Scholarship. 

Question: When are trade scholarship applications released to the Public, what is the deadline for submitting, and when and how can I apply for a Trade Scholarship? When are applicants notified if they have been awarded the scholarship

Answer: Trade Scholarship Applications will be released to the Public on February 1, 2025 by YVCF. The scholarship applications must be completed submitted back to YVCF by March 16th, 2025. Please go to this link https://shorturl.at/fdzq8 to apply after February 1. All applications will need to be filled electronically and  submitted via the web. If any applicants need assistance they may contact the Building Department at 970-870- 5566. The Scholarship Committee will have all final decisions made on who will receive scholarships, and the  amount of funding each applicant will receive by April 7th, 2025, all applicants will then be notified by email on the final decisions.  

Question: What are the eligibility requirements for the Trade Scholarship? 

Answer: All Routt and Moffat County residents who are graduating High School students or adults who desire to attend a vocational school, apprentice program, trade or technical school, or community college program seeking a degree or job specific training may apply for the scholarship. The Educational organization or institution must have formal instruction as its primary function. If you have any questions about whether the  school qualifies, email scholarships@yvcf.org before applying.  

Question: What is the minimum and maximum amount of financial assistance an applicant could receive through the scholarship application?  

Answer: The minimum award amount is $1000. The maximum amount each year will be dependent upon variables related to how much funding is available annually to award, and will also be determined based upon  demand and how many applications are received seeking financial assistance.  

Question: Who is the scholarship check made out and who receives the funds? 

Answer: The checks will be made payable to the school or institution the student is attending, the checks will not be cut to the applicant. 

Question: What type of trades, careers paths, or job specific trainings are eligible for this scholarship? 

Answer: The Trade Scholarship will accept applications from adults or students interested in the following  careers, for example: Carpentry, HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Excavation or Heavy Equipment, Crane Operators,  Mechanics, Auto Body, Drafting/CAD Design, Construction Management, Welding, Cabinetry or Woodworking,  Pipefitters, Steel Fabrication and Iron Workers, Masonry and Brick Layers, Machinist, millwright, interior design,  construction inspectors, and etc. We also will support Certification programs that will help applicants pursue  advancement opportunities within their current occupation, or new occupation they may be seeking.  

Question: Can I apply for the Trade Scholarship to be reimbursed for educational expenses already incurred?  

Answer: No you are not eligible to be reimbursed for prior educational expenses, the scholarship funding is only  for future educational expenses, so educational expenses and programs that would start in the 2025-2026  academic year are eligible. 

Question: Who reviews the Trade Scholarship Applications for YVCF to determine which are awarded? 

Answer: A committee of 5 people will review applications and make recommendations to YVCF. The applications  will be reviewed by the committee within the guidelines established by the Yampa Valley Community  Foundation.  

Question: Can other companies, non-profits or individuals contribute money voluntarily to the existing Trade  Scholarship Fund, and if so how can you make this donation? 

Answer: Yes anyone wanting to support trade education may make a tax-deductible donation to the Trade  Scholarship Fund of the Yampa Valley Community Foundation. You may donate money to the Trade Scholarship  Fund the following ways:

• Mail or drop off a check (made out to YVCF with “Northwest Colorado Trade Scholarship” in the memo  line to 348 Oak Street, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 
• Donate online at: https://yvcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=5093

CLICK HERE to view the original Routt County Press Release.