BRISTOL – Roger Williams University recently received a $250,000 grant from the Hayden Foundation, a philanthropic organization that provides financial assistance to educational organizations, to launch an endowed full-scholarship program for trades education at the school’s University College campus in Providence.
RWU says the new program, called the Don P. and Elaine M. Hayden Scholarships for Education in the Trades, will support students enrolled in trades programs at the Providence campus. The program will offer full scholarships for three to five students per year who are enrolled in the university’s electrical apprenticeship program, carpentry apprenticeship program, construction management fundamentals or the forthcoming plumbing program, RWU says.
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The university says a 2021 Skilled Trades Report by Angi reported that nearly 70% of skilled trade companies struggle to hire enough workers to fill all vacancies. In the coming decade, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 80,000 annual job openings for electricians alone.
“We are facing a critical skills gap in the trades labor market due to a scarcity of qualified applicants. These scholarships will help nurture a new generation of trades professionals in well-paying careers that our society depends on,” Gena Bianco, dean of RWU’s University College, said in a statement. “The Hayden Foundation’s generous gift aligns with Roger Williams University’s commitment to provide educational opportunities that meet students where they are and alleviate the financial barriers to pursuing higher education and a professional career.”
RWU also says the program, while open to all, seeks to support traditional high school, and technical and vocational students. Additional information about the program can be found on RWU’s website.
James Bessette is the PBN special projects editor, and also covers the nonprofit and education sectors. You may reach him at Bessette@PBN.com. You may also follow him on X at @James_Bessette.
