The National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), in partnership with 3M’s Safety and Industrial business, announced the 2026 recipients of the Skilled Trades – 3M Transformational Scholarship. This annual scholarship helps empower students pursuing technical and skilled trades careers by providing essential financial support and helping expand access to opportunities in communities across the country.
Supporting the next generation of skilled trades professionals
This year, 52 students from across the United States were each awarded $1,000 scholarships during NC3’s annual National Career and Technical Education Letter of Intent Signing Day. Modeled after NCAA’s National Signing Day, this celebration honors and recognizes students as they formally commit to career and technical education pathways—affirming the value, dignity, and promise of skilled trades professions.
“Supporting this next generation of skilled trades professionals is a true privilege,” said Michael Stroik, Vice President, 3M Community Impact. “These students are choosing careers that shape the infrastructure, safety, and innovation of our world. By investing in a diverse and talented workforce, we are helping build stronger communities and a stronger future for all.”
A national celebration of career and technical education
This year, nearly 90 NC3 Signing Day ceremonies united students, families, educators, and industry partners nationwide. These events showcased the pride and enthusiasm surrounding career and technical education, highlighting student pathways in manufacturing, transportation, energy, construction, and other high‑demand fields that help keep our economy moving.
Expanding access and opportunity
The Skilled Trades – 3M Transformational Scholarship represents more than financial assistance. It opens doors for students, allowing them to focus on building the hands‑on skills and industry-recognized certifications that will set them apart in today’s workforce.
Findings from a Harris Poll conducted in 2025 show that sponsoring hands-on skilled trades programs in schools and providing scholarships or training funds for trade education rank among the most impactful ways companies can support skilled tradespeople in their communities.
“NC3 National Signing Day shines a spotlight on the students who will become tomorrow’s leaders in the skilled trades,” said Roger Tadajewski, NC3 Executive Director. “Our partnership with 3M reflects our shared commitment to supporting students, strengthening career pathways, and ensuring that today’s learners become the well‑trained professionals our industries depend on.”
A shared commitment to workforce development
As demand for skilled labor continues to grow nationwide, programs like the Skilled Trades – 3M Transformational Scholarship help prepare students to thrive in evolving, high-growth industries. 3M and NC3 remain dedicated to investing in technical education, supporting workforce innovation, and empowering students to reach their full potential.
To learn more about NC3 National Signing Day and view the recipients of the Skilled Trades – 3M Transformational Scholarship, please visit www.nc3.net/signingday.
