Twin Lights Trades Award
The Twin Lights Trades Award is a need-based scholarship that aims to help sustain the skilled labor ecosystem of Cape Ann and its surrounding communities. Applicants should be residents of Gloucester or Rockport who are in need of financial assistance to pursue education in a vocational school, obtain a certification, or apprenticeship. Applicants should have a desire to ultimately contribute to local business or provide a service or skill to the Cape Ann community when they complete their education.
This scholarship is presented in multiple avenues in the North Shore/Cape Ann region. All new applications for the year are collected into a single pool, where up to 5 applicants will be selected from that pool as recipients.
2027 Requirements for New Applicants
Applicants must be residents of Gloucester or Rockport. The award amount for new applicants can be up to $10,000.
Applicants must apply with the following documentation.
A copy of the applicant’s most recent transcript of grades. If you are applying as a non-student, this document is not required.
A 2-page resume showing community involvement within Cape Ann, such as volunteering, community service, work experience, or extracurricular activities
Proof of acceptance into an apprenticeship, training program, vocational school, or college.
A typed 2-page essay that answers the following question: “How can I use my career goals to give back to the community of Cape Ann?”. (NOTE: Applications with essays that are suspected of using AI writing tools will not be considered)
A letter of recommendation from someone within the applicant's academic career who can best testify to their character and work ethic. If you are applying as a non-student, a letter from a job/manager also works.
A letter of recommendation from a non-academic source, preferably a person familiar with the applicant’s community-centric activities, who can best testify to their commitment to their community and work.
A financial statement form that details expenses and expected earnings for the applicant’s upcoming year of education.
Conditions of Payment
The scholarship primarily serves applicants who are pursuing an education in a vocational school, a trade certification, or trade apprenticeship. Since this scholarship is need-based, changes in financial need may result in a change in award amount or prohibit award eligibility. Confirmed awardees may apply annually with proof of enrollment in education/training. Failure to further education in the by expected date of enrollment forfeits award eligibility.
Submission
Please use the First Time Applicant Form below to apply. Don’t forget to download and fill out your Financial Statement Form to include with your application.
If any piece of your application can’t be submitted through our website, please contact connect@twinlightstrust.org.
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