FIRST Canada Skilled Trade Scholarship

FIRST Robotics Canada

Win one of two $2,500 scholarships for Canadian students pursuing a skilled trade.

Published by · last checked August 31, 2026

Total value
$2,500
Deadline
Mar 15, 2026
Level
Trades
Open to
Across Canada

Applications are closed for this cycle

Applications are not open right now (they last closed Mar 15, 2026). Many awards like this one run again each year, so we re-check this page and update it when the next cycle opens. Last verified Aug 31, 2026.

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What you will need

  • Completed application form
  • Letter of recommendation from a high school instructor from whom you have taken one or more classes
  • Current, official high school transcript
  • Typed brief essay (max 500 words) discussing your FRC or FTC participation, the program's impact on your life, and your interest in skilled trades
  • For home schooled students: contact the FIRST Scholarship Committee for guidance on alternative materials for the recommendation letter and transcript

About this award

You can win one of two scholarships valued at $2,500 each. As a scholarship, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you have been part of a robotics team and want to build a career in the skilled trades. Applications closed on March 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Ask FIRST Robotics Canada when the next window opens. The funder will contact winners directly, though they will share more details about the announcement process in 2026. Selection criteria aren't published — ask FIRST Robotics Canada how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. To get your money, you must send FIRST Canada a letter requesting the payment and confirming which college program the funds should go to. You must do this by the end of the second week of classes. Ask FIRST Robotics Canada during your application if the funds are sent directly to the school or if any portion comes to you. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with FIRST Robotics Canada whether it's a one-time award or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You are eligible for this award if you are a Canadian student who has participated on a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC — a high school robotics competition) or FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC — a middle school robotics competition) team. You must also be pursuing higher education or a career in a skilled trade, such as a skilled trades college program.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

  • Canadian citizen
  • Open to trades students
  • Studying skilled trades

How to apply

  1. Read the award's official page

    Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

  2. Order your transcript1–2 weeks

    Your school's registrar can take a week or two.

  3. Ask for reference letters2 weeks

    Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

  4. Write your essay

    Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

  5. This round closed on March 15, 2026

    Check the award's official page for the next round before you prepare anything.

Tips for applying

  • EssayAvoid writing a generic summary of your robot's specs. Instead, focus on the personal impact the FIRST program had on your life and connect your passion for robotics directly to why you chose a specific skilled trade.
  • ReferencesMany students submit a basic letter of character. Instead, ask your high school instructor to provide specific examples of your technical skills and work ethic in the classroom.
  • StrategySince you need to provide a transcript and a recommendation letter, start these requests at least two weeks before the March 15 deadline to avoid last-minute delays.
  • RealismWith only two awards available, this is highly competitive. Treat this as a great bonus rather than your primary source of funding while you apply for other trade-specific grants.

Questions students ask

How do I apply?

This round is closed. Check the award's official page for when the next round opens.

When is the deadline?

This round closed on March 15, 2026. Many awards like this run again each year, so check the award's official page for the next round.

Can international students apply?

No. You need to be a Canadian citizen.

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Aug 31, 2026

FIRST Canada Skilled Trade Scholarship

$2,500 Closed Mar 15

2 × $2,500

fundmycourse.ca/scholarships/first-canada-skilled-trade-scholarship

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$2,500 Closed Mar 15
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