The mikeroweWORKS Foundation, with support from Koch, has awarded nearly 140 aspiring workers across the nation over $1 million in scholarships. Koch Industries and the Charles Koch Foundation contributed over $100,000 towards the scholarships supporting 17 skilled trades in 38 states.
The scholarships are part of the Work Ethic Scholarship Program, which focuses on providing financial assistance to Americans getting trained for skilled jobs that are in demand. Since the program’s inception, mikeroweWORKS has granted more than $5 million in work ethic scholarships for skilled trade programs, including aviation technology, welding, plumbing, manufacturing, HVAC, farming and agriculture, carpentry and construction, and many more. Individual scholarships range from $1,800 to $20,000, with the average scholarship being $8,000.
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Koch Industries and its subsidiaries have worked with mikeroweWORKS to focus on pathways of opportunity and training America’s workforce.
“Koch is excited to continue our work with the mikeroweWORKS Foundation to support and inspire aspiring workers across the country. Trade and technical education are vital to forging a path towards successful, lifelong careers. We are passionate about their mission as Koch continues to promote an environment where people succeed by creating value for others. We look forward to continuing our partnership,” said Meredith Olson, vice president of public affairs for Koch Industries.
“No matter how quickly the world changes, the qualities of successful individuals are still the same,” said Mike Rowe, CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation. “The principles of hard work, determination, and respect for others are always in demand and a big part of our Work Ethic Scholarship Program. I’m grateful to Koch for their generous support of this program.”
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In addition to the Work Ethic Scholarship Program, Koch Industries and the Charles Koch Foundation are joining with the mikeroweWORKS Foundation and WSU Tech to support the development and implementation of a work ethic curriculum, known as the MRW Work Ethic Certification. The curriculum is based on the mikeroweWORKS Foundation’s S.W.E.A.T. Pledge and examines the importance of work ethic, personal responsibility, delayed gratification, and a positive attitude and is currently administered by National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3). Students who successfully complete the program will receive an industry-recognized NC3 certificate. The MRW Work Ethic Certification is currently being piloted at WSU Tech and 20 post-secondary NC3 leadership schools across the United States, and more than 2,500 students have successfully received certificates to date.
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