Students 25 and younger who are enrolled or accepted at Miami Dade College can now apply for a new scholarship covering tuition, tools, uniforms, books and transportation for skilled-trades programs.

The Coral Gables Community Foundation announced the Trades Scholarship Fund on Thursday, Aug. 6, the foundation's first initiative targeting career and technical education at MDC. The fund covers programs in HVAC, welding, plumbing, automotive technology, aviation technology, electronic systems and construction.

"Miami-Dade's skilled trades workforce is the backbone of our regional economy, and we are proud to invest directly in the students who are building that future," Coral Gables Community Foundation President and CEO Mauricio Vivero said in the announcement.

The Stamps Family Charitable Foundation, led by Coconut Grove philanthropist and private investor E. Roe Stamps IV, provided seed funding alongside a group of local donors. Stamps, a co-founder of Boston-based Summit Partners and University of Miami trustee, has supported South Florida causes including Fairchild Tropical Garden and Breakthrough Miami. The Stamps foundation has backed students through its Stamps Scholars Program at more than 40 universities nationwide since 1986.

Mary Snow, the Stamps foundation's executive director, previously served as president and CEO of the Coral Gables Community Foundation, according to nonprofit records.

Awards are based on individual need and program costs rather than a fixed dollar amount. Applications are open now for the fall semester at gablesfoundation.org/scholarships/trades. After this initial cycle, the foundation will accept applications on a rolling basis for future terms.

Why it matters locally

The scholarship arrives as South Florida's construction sector faces acute labor shortages. Miami-Dade leads the state in construction employment with roughly 125,000 workers, according to industry workforce data, and construction wages in the county rose 7.2% in 2025. Statewide, an estimated 439,000 new workers are needed to meet demand, with 67% of firms reporting shortages.

The Miami metro area added more than 42,000 jobs in the past year, with construction employment projected to grow 8.2% through 2026, according to recruiting firm Trueline.

How to apply

To qualify, applicants must be 25 or younger and currently enrolled or accepted into a career and technical education program at Miami Dade College. MDC's fall 2026 term begins Monday, Aug. 24, with registration available through Saturday, Aug. 22.

MDC is also launching new workforce-aligned programs this fall, including an Associate in Science in Aerospace Technician and a Career Technical Certificate in Telecommunications and Fiber Optics Technician.

Residents can apply or learn more at gablesfoundation.org/scholarships/trades or contact the foundation at 305-446-9670.

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