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Building Maryland's Workforce

Francis Scott Key Bridge Trade and Apprenticeship Scholarships

In partnership with the Baltimore Community Foundation, Central Scholarship is helping Maryland invest in its critical infrastructure through training, education, and job placement. The Francis Scott Key Bridge Trade and Apprenticeship Scholarships are available to provide MD residents with the opportunity to pursue critical job-skills training, certification, and employment while enhancing workforce readiness for the present and future.

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Using Scholarships to Meet the Challenge

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By the Numbers

Infrastructure needs in Maryland:

Infrastructure impacts a wide variety of aspects in Maryland's economic growth. After the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in 2024, many of these infrastructural problems came to light as the broader areas of Maryland were affected.

 

48 %
Roads in poor or fair condition
103
High-Hazard Dams
250
Bridges deemed structurally deficient
(Data Retrieved from American Society of Civil Engineers 2024  Maryland Report Card)

Certification Cost for Trade & Apprentice Programs:

Despite being a needed part of the workforce, many students find the financial barriers to vocational training to be too much of a burden.

The scholarships provided through this program can be applied to certifications in these and other high-need infrastructure career fields:

  • Welding (Approx. cost of tuition - $3,000)
  • Construction Management (Approx. cost of tuition - $5,000)
  • Electrician Certification (Approx. cost of tuition - $7,000)

*Tuition costs may vary between each program depending on various factors.*

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BCF x CS

Maryland Tough, Baltimore Strong

In partnership with the Baltimore Community Foundation, over $500,000 in program support will be available to qualified applicants. This will allow dozens of Marylanders to enter highly needed career fields that support the state's infrastructure.

After completing their trade or apprenticeship program, candidates will be introduced to gainful employment opportunities that directly benefit our state's infrastructure, with contractors and agencies working on projects such as the restoration of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I apply for this program?

All awards for this program will be considered through the Career Training Application on NextGen. If qualified, our team will forward the applicant an invitation to submit additional documents to a semi-finalist application for further review.

What programs qualify for these scholarships?

Any program that emphasizes use or employment in infrastructure maintenance will qualify, including, but not limited to, CDL, electrical, heavy machine operation, construction, welding, carpentry, and other programs evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

Does this program allow applicants in undergraduate programs for architecture, engineering, or related fields?

No. This program is explicitly intended for non-degree certification and apprenticeship based programs. Undergraduate programs can qualify for other scholarships through our General Application, which is open from October to March yearly.

What program costs will be covered by these scholarships?

Central Scholarship provides career training grants to cover tuition.  In certain circumstances we will provide funds to cover the cost of supplies such as textbooks, uniforms, or tools.

If awarded for this program, can I take these funds to a school outside of Maryland?

No. The Francis Scott Key Bridge Trade and Apprenticeship Scholarships must be used for an accredited program in Maryland.