The Canerector Foundation has established the Canerector Foundation Scholarship Program with a commitment of $500,000 over five years to the Holland College Foundation. The goal of the program is to promote the skilled trades sector, develop future leaders in the trades, and help graduates expand their networks and make a successful transition to the workforce.
The trades sector is essential to the economy, however many students face significant barriers that prevent them from pursuing trades training or completing their programs. The Canerector Foundation Scholarship Program will provide an initial cohort of 29 students with financial assistance, mentoring, and leadership development opportunities. Students in two-year programs will be eligible for an additional one year scholarship, and new students will be brought into the program each year.
Amanda Hawkins, Director of the Canerector Foundation, is proud to support initiatives that strengthen workforce development. "Skilled trades are essential to our economy and bring tremendous value to our communities. Through our partnership with Holland College, we aim to provide meaningful opportunities for students to explore these high-demand careers," she says.
As mentorship and developing future leaders is a key objective of the Canerector Foundation Scholarship Program, Holland College will design and host unique, trades-focused events for students each academic year, giving participants an opportunity to learn from industry professionals, develop their leadership skills, and build valuable networks that will help them throughout their careers.
"Holland College and the Holland College Foundation are grateful to the Canerector Foundation for their generous gift in support of our students and their careers in the skilled trades," said Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, Holland College President. "By investing in our students today, our trades sector will be stronger tomorrow."
Applications for the 2025 Canerector Foundation Scholarship Program at Holland College are open until March 31. Eligible programs include Aircraft Turbine Technician, Carpentry, Construction Electrical, Heritage Retrofit Carpentry, Plumbing/Pipefitting, Precision Machinist, Wind Turbine Technology, Welding Fabrication, Automotive Technology, Electromechanical Technology, Energy Systems Engineering Technology, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology, and Industrial Electrical Technology. Prospective students can learn more and apply here: For more information, contact the Holland College Foundation at 902-566-9590.