SEF Trades Initiative

PROGRAM INFO

The Snohomish Education Foundation (SEF) Trades Grant provides financial assistance to students pursuing careers in trades or vocational education. Trades Grant funds may help cover the costs of training, certification, tuition, equipment, tools, transportation, and other educational expenses related to a student’s chosen trade or field of study, including programs outside of a traditional college or university path.

The program is designed to help reduce financial barriers for students pursuing career pathways such as construction, automotive technology, welding, electrical work, plumbing, cosmetology, apprenticeships, technical training, and other trades or vocational fields.

Current high school students may also apply for financial assistance related to eligible internship, apprenticeship, training, or vocational opportunities.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

Be a current Snohomish School District high school student or an eligible graduate of the Snohomish School District.
Be pursuing or planning to pursue an eligible trade, apprenticeship, internship, training, certification, or vocational program.
Demonstrate financial need for the expenses included in the grant request.
Submit a complete application with detailed information about the program and an itemized breakdown of the expenses for which funding is requested.

Eligibility After High School Graduation

Students remain eligible to apply through December 31 of the calendar year following their high school graduation. For example, a student who graduates in June 2026 may apply through December 31, 2027.

Renewal Funding

Students who receive an SEF Trades Grant may apply one additional time for renewal funding within two years of receiving their original grant. For example, a student who receives a Trades Grant in June 2026 may apply for one renewal grant through June 2028.

Renewal applicants will be asked to provide information about their progress since receiving their previous award, their next steps, and their continued financial need. Renewal funding is based on continued eligibility, program progress, demonstrated need, and available funding, and is not guaranteed.

Eligible Uses of Funds

Trades Grant funds may be considered for expenses such as:

Tuition and program fees
Certification and testing fees
Program-required tools and equipment
Supplies and required clothing or uniforms
Transportation or travel expenses necessary for program participation
Training-related expenses
Other expenses directly related to participation in an eligible program
Housing expenses in certain circumstances

Applicants must provide a detailed, itemized breakdown of the specific expenses for which they are requesting assistance.

How Funding Is Provided

Support may be provided in several ways depending on the expense, including:

In-kind assistance: Gift cards, materials, tools, equipment, clothing, or other items needed for participation in the program.
Monetary assistance: Funding for approved program-related expenses such as tuition, fees, certifications, training, or required materials.

Whenever possible, payments may be made directly to the school, training program, vendor, or other organization providing the approved goods or services rather than directly to the grant recipient.

Funding Decisions

Trades Grant awards are based on financial need, program eligibility, the applicant’s specific funding request, and available SEF funding.

Applicants may request the amount of assistance they need and should provide a detailed explanation of their costs. SEF may award full or partial funding depending on the request and available resources.

Funding is not guaranteed.

Application Review Schedule

Applications are accepted throughout the year and reviewed during scheduled review periods.

2026

Application Deadline: September 30
Award Announcement: October 19

2027

Application Deadline: January 3
Award Announcement: January 25
Application Deadline: April 4
Award Announcement: April 26
Application Deadline: June 27
Award Announcement: July 19

Apply

Before applying, students should gather information about their program, including:

Program requirements and timeline
Program contact information
Tuition, fees, tools, supplies, transportation, and other anticipated expenses
Application, payment, and program start dates
The specific amount of financial assistance needed

For questions or more information, contact office@snoed.org.

Apply for a Trades Fund Grant

SEF Trades Advisory Council Overview

The Snohomish Education Foundation (SEF) is forming a community Advisory Council to guide the growth, reach, and impact of the SEF Trades Initiative. This initiative supports students in the Snohomish School District as they pursue skilled trade and technical career paths. We believe that building a sustainable and responsive trades program requires the insight, voice, and leadership of our community.

Purpose

The Trades Advisory Council will provide guidance, input, and advocacy for the development and expansion of SEF's Trades Initiative. This group will help shape program priorities, ensure alignment with workforce needs, and strengthen connections across industries, training programs, and our local Snohomish community.

What We're Asking

We're seeking individuals who can contribute in one or more of the following ways:

Share time and input during meetings

Offer expertise or perspective from industry, education, or workforce development

Help us shape and refine the Trades Fund application and award process

Provide or facilitate introductions to potential partners, funders, or sponsors

Advocate for the program in the Snohomish community

Recognition

As a member of the SEF Trades Advisory Council, your time and contributions will be recognized and valued. While this is a volunteer advisory role, we are committed to showing appreciation by:

Inclusion of your name (with permission) in SEF's annual report and on our website

Invitations to SEF events and student showcases

Occasional thank-you notes or updates from student grant recipients

Meeting Frequency

The Advisory Board will meet (tentatively) quarterly, beginning in September 2025. Meetings will be scheduled in advance and held in person or virtually as needed. Between meetings, advisory council members may be asked to review Trades Fund applications or provide feedback on program or student requests/needs.

Your Role

This is an advisory group — not a working committee. We are not asking for hands-on management or coordination. Instead, we value your ideas, connections, and insights to help guide this work and move it forward. We ask members to commit to a 12-month term with the option to renew.