Snohomish Education Foundation Awards Nearly $13,000 in Trades Fund Grants to Support Career Pathways

The Snohomish Education Foundation (SEF) is pleased to announce the recipients of its latest Trades Fund Grants, awarding funding to five local graduates nearly $13,000 pursuing careers in the skilled trades.

Launched in 2025, the Trades Fund Grant program was created to help remove financial barriers for students and recent graduates pursuing careers that require specialized training, certifications, tools, equipment, transportation, and other workforce-related expenses. The program is open to Snohomish School District graduates and reflects SEF’s commitment to supporting multiple pathways to success after high school.

This quarter, SEF awarded grants to the following recipients:

Marvin Machuca Durán, Snohomish High School

• Program/Career of Interest: Welding
• School: Everett Community College

Claire Bosa, Snohomish High School

• Program /Career of Interest: Cosmetology
• School: Everett Community College

Gavin Miller, AIM High School

• Program/Career of Interest: Personal Training
• School: National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

Gabriel Cortes, Snohomish High School (2025 renewal)

• Program/Career of Interest: Barbering
• School: Fade Lounge Barbershop Apprenticeship

Nathaly Flores Plascencia, Snohomish High School           

• Program/Career of Interest: Veterinary Assistant
• School: Everett Community College

Since launching as a pilot program in 2025, the Trades Fund Grant program has continued to gain momentum. During its first year, SEF awarded nearly $7,000 to support students entering the skilled trades. With this latest round of funding, SEF has now awarded more than $19,000 through the program.

“College is one pathway to a successful future, but it is not the only pathway,” said Erica Cenci, Executive Director of the Snohomish Education Foundation. “Our local economy depends on skilled trades professionals, and many of these careers offer incredible opportunities for growth, stability, and meaningful work. Through the Trades Fund Grant program, we’re helping remove barriers so graduates can access the training, tools, certifications, and experiences they need to begin building their careers. We’re excited to see the continued growth of this program and the impact it is having on local students.”

The grants may be used for a variety of career-related expenses, including tuition for apprenticeship or technical training programs, certification and licensing fees, required tools and equipment, work clothing and safety gear, transportation costs, and other expenses directly related to entering a trade profession.

The Trades Fund Grant program is part of SEF’s broader effort to expand opportunities for Snohomish School District students and graduates. By supporting students pursuing careers in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, public safety, technology, and other high-demand fields, SEF is helping ensure that graduates have access to the resources they need to succeed—regardless of the path they choose.

Help Grow the Trades Fund

As SEF looks beyond the pilot phase of the program, SEF is actively seeking community partners who want to help expand opportunities for future graduates entering the skilled trades.

SEF has started the initial work to form a Trades Advisory Council comprised of local business owners and professionals from a variety of industries and trades. The Advisory Council will help guide the future of the program, identify workforce needs and trends, strengthen industry partnerships, support fundraising efforts, and help scale the program to meet the growing demand from local students pursuing career-connected pathways.

Individuals, businesses, trade organizations, unions, and industry leaders interested in supporting the Trades Fund through financial contributions are also encouraged. Additional funding will allow the Foundation to serve more students and provide larger awards as demand continues to grow.

Those interested in donating to the Trades Fund or learning more about serving on the Trades Advisory Council are encouraged to contact the Snohomish Education Foundation at 360-568-5292 or office@snoed.org.