Cash Prizes for High School Skilled Trades Teachers, Programs

Instructor Nicholas Jordan was a 2021 runner-up of the award and won $35,000 for the Montecito High School (Ramona, California) trade school program where he works as well as an additional $15,000.
Photo Credit: Harbor Freight Tools for Schools

Does your company work closely with a high school CNC machining program? Do you believe a certain instructor or program is the best at what they do? If so, be sure to let them know to apply for the 2022 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. The program is currently accepting applications for this year’s $1.25 million that will be awarded to 20 of the best U.S. public high school skilled trades instructors and their programs. May 20 is the deadline.

The mission of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools is to increase understanding, support and investment in skilled trades education in public high schools. Since 2017 when the prize was created, the program has honored 88 teachers from around the country.

“This prize is first and foremost a way to celebrate skilled trades education and thank our outstanding high school skilled trades teachers who don’t receive the recognition and respect they deserve,” says Eric Smidt, owner and founder of Harbor Freight Tools. “We are working to shine a spotlight on their excellent work so it can be celebrated and replicated at other schools.’’

This year’s five grand prize winners will receive $100,000 each, with $30,000 awarded to the teacher and $70,000 awarded to their program. Fifteen additional prize winners will each win $50,000, with $15,000 awarded to the teacher and $35,000 awarded to their programs.

A recent evaluation of the prize found that it has a dramatic impact on the winning instructors and their programs, the company says. Most say the prize contributed to enrollment increases in their classes, an increase in local businesses reaching out to them to collaborate and an increase in donations to their programs. Winners also say the prize helped them strengthen relationships with community colleges. Winning teachers are also seeking new leadership opportunities and now see themselves as advocates for excellent high school skilled trades education.

Visit this website to apply for the award.