Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes has teamed up with the Skilled Trades College of Canada (STC) to launch a new scholarship for BIPOC students hoping to launch a career in a trade of their choice.
What is the Scottie Barnes Scholarship?
The Scottie Barnes scholarship will cover tuition, training materials, tools and textbooks for Black and Indigenous students across Canada.
“Traditional university is great, but not a one-size-fits-all solution for every student – STC offers educational opportunities that can empower young people with amazing career opportunities,” Scottie Barnes said in a press release. “I’m excited to team with STC to raise awareness about the benefits of trade schools, and also make a community impact by delivering a scholarship that offers an opportunity to students who might have faced bias or not had the same chances as others.”
Scholarship Will Help With Shortage of Skilled Trades Workers
Not only will the Scottie Barnes Scholarship help to advance career opportunities for BIPOC people in Canada, but it will also increase awareness about the benefits of pursuing a career in the skilled trades. Plus, it will help to ease the shortage of skilled trade workers that has only worsened in recent years due to the pandemic.
“The shortage of skilled trades workers has been increasing year after year and has been exacerbated by the pandemic,” Ralph Cerasuolo, President and Founder of STC, said in the same release. “We’re thrilled to team with Scottie to showcase the many compelling career options that are available in the trades, and to provide an amazing scholarship opportunity for black and indigenous students to jumpstart their futures.”
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“I’m excited to be a #partner and Brand Ambassador for Skilled Trades College, and I’m even more happy to make an impact in my community with the Scottie Barnes Scholarship, which will provide opportunities for Black and Indigenous students,” Barnes wrote in an Instagram post.
Making a Positive Impact on BIPOC Communities
The plan is to award four of the Scottie Barnes scholarships each year for the next three years to help young people or people who have needed to shift career paths due to the pandemic. With five campuses across the GTA, STC offers 12-week training programs for trades like plumbing, home renovation and electrical.
Barnes has made a big splash in his NBA career so far, and with this recent partnership, he’s sure to have a positive impact on BIPOC communities across Canada as well. To learn more about the Scottie Barnes Scholarship and how to apply, visit skilledtradescollege.ca.
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