NSHSS Foundation: Makers and Builders Award

The Makers & Builders Award

Who can apply

•         High school seniors graduating in 2027

•         Minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA

•         Enrolling in a skilled trade, vocational certificate, technical credential, or registered apprenticeship program that is accredited, state-approved, or industry-recognized

•         Students pursuing a degree (associate or bachelor’s) should apply for the Pathfinder Scholarship instead.

•         U.S. citizenship is not required. Awards can be used at eligible programs in the U.S. or abroad.

•         You may apply for both Makers & Builders and Pathfinder, but you can win only one award per year.

•         NSHSS membership is not required

Application requirements

•         1 or 2 letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, instructor, employer, or mentor

•         Essay (500–800 words; prompt below)

•         Unofficial transcript (to verify GPA)

•         Resume (include work experience, hands-on projects, certifications, and activities)

Essay prompt

Makers and builders turn skill into something real. Tell us about the career you're building. What drew you to this work, what have you already made, fixed, or learned with your own hands, and how will your skills make a difference for the people and communities around you? (500–800 words)

As you write, consider:

•         Your path: What trade, credential, or apprenticeship are you pursuing, and what are your next steps?

•         Your spark: What experiences, people, or moments drew you to this work?

•         Your hands-on experience: What have you built, repaired, created, or practiced so far, in school, at work, or on your own?

•         Your impact: How will your work help fuel the economy, spark innovation and creativity, or strengthen your community?

If you're selected

•         Recipients must upload an acceptance letter from their program or institution to verify enrollment before funds are released.

•         Recipients must enroll by August 2027. If you don’t enroll or you defer, your award will be held for one additional semester.

•         Recipients will be asked for a color headshot for publicity.

Your skills will shape the world around you. Let's build it together.

•         1 or 2 letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, instructor, employer, or mentor

•         Essay (500–800 words; prompt below)

•         Unofficial transcript (to verify GPA)

•         Resume (include work experience, hands-on projects, certifications, and activities)

Essay prompt

Makers and builders turn skill into something real. Tell us about the career you're building. What drew you to this work, what have you already made, fixed, or learned with your own hands, and how will your skills make a difference for the people and communities around you? (500–800 words)

As you write, consider:

•         Your path: What trade, credential, or apprenticeship are you pursuing, and what are your next steps?

•         Your spark: What experiences, people, or moments drew you to this work?

•         Your hands-on experience: What have you built, repaired, created, or practiced so far, in school, at work, or on your own?

•         Your impact: How will your work help fuel the economy, spark innovation and creativity, or strengthen your community?