With today’s growing technology and AI, trade school and CTE Programs across the country are rising.
Decades ago, trade schools and Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses trained people mainly for manual, tool-based roles — welding, plumbing, carpentry, mechanics. Now, these same fields have become technology-driven. Here’s why:
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Auto technicians diagnose problems using laptops and software linked to vehicles’ onboard computers.
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HVAC installers program smart thermostats and networked climate systems.
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Electricians work with building automation, solar, and energy-monitoring systems.
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Welders use robotic welding arms, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinery, and digital blueprints.
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Medical and dental technicians use imaging software, sterilization robotics, and digital records.
“Technical education” today is STEM in steel-toed boots.
The old “blue-collar vs. white-collar” divide doesn’t fit anymore. Trade-school graduates are often mid-tech professionals. They are defined as people who work with their hands as well asdata and use AI and automation tools daily. Most importantly, they build, maintain, and protect the digital-physical infrastructure that modern life depends on. It’s why educators now talk about “new-collar jobs” — a blend of skilled trades and technology roles.
Trade schools aren’t just about “labor” anymore — they’re where technology meets skill.
Where are we going with this you may ask? Keep reading.
If you have ever googled “famous people in Maryland”, one of the top names that pops up is Charles McClenahan. After being Mayor of Crisfield from 1978-1982, he served in the House of Delegates for Somerset County from 1992-2003, while starting a successful business right here in Somerset County called Landmark Insurance & Financial Group. He did all of this without a formal University education. Charlie Mac, as he was known to everyone, believed in the future of technical schools.
After he passed away in 2017, Landmark Insurance created the Charles McClenahan Technical Scholarship, which awards one student from each of the three High Schools in Somerset County, Crisfield High School, Washington High School, and Holly Grove Christian School. A $1000 scholarship to be used for educational purchases. While preference is given to those attending a trade school, those applying to two- and four-year colleges are not excluded from receiving the scholarship.
As the son of an educator who later married a life-long teacher, Charlie recognized that technical educational training for employment in the trades was key to developing local talent and a thriving community. Charlie Mac was invested in his community. He also could foresee where the needs, the jobs, and what it would take to better his community long before it came to pass.
After his passing, the leadership at Landmark Insurance & Financial Group and a generous anonymous donor established the Charles McClenahan Technical Scholarship to continue Charlie’s good works and to support Somerset County students’ educational goals. November is a month to celebrate being grateful. A $1000 scholarship to support your future educational goals is a gift to be thankful for. Don’t wait, and don’t let this scholarship that is right in your own backyard slip away – especially not when you can see that trade is the way of the future.
In order to receive the Charles McClenahan Technical Scholarship, You Must:
A. Show acceptance to an accredited four-year college or university, two-year community college or trade school.
B. You must be a resident of Somerset County and graduating senior of Crisfield High School, Washington High School, or Holly Grove Christian School and have been accepted for admission to an accredited college, university, or trade school as a full- or part-time student.
C. This scholarship is intended for students with significant financial need. Applicants must have a reputation of good character and demonstrate a commitment to succeed in their course of study
D. The scholarship is a minimum of $1,000 one-time scholarship award at each of the three schools noted in Part B. above, subject to the fund’s available to grant balance.
E. Applications are available at the Crisfield High School, Washington High School, and Holly Grove Christian School guidance offices and can be downloaded at https://www.cfes.org/scholarships.
Completed applications must be received by the applicant’s high school guidance office by April 1st to be considered for a scholarship award. An application is complete only when the following have been submitted:
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A completed scholarship application
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Official high school transcript of grades
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Letter of acceptance from an accredited college, university, or trade school.
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Two letters of recommendation from non-family members (e.g., teacher, guidance counselor, employer, athletic coach, etc.)
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List of all extracurricular school and community activities and/or paid employment during high school years.
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A typed, double-spaced essay, of approximately 500 words, written by the applicant that explains why the applicant wants to pursue their chosen career and how this scholarship will help them achieve that goal.
If You are a Somerset County senior, don’t coast. Whether you are headed to a four-year University, a Community College, or a Trade School, The Charles McClenahan Technical Scholarship was founded for you. Honor one of Somerset County’s most prominent leaders in education and innovation by applying now.
Download the applications through the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore or pick one up at your Schools’ Guidance Office today! https://www.cfes.org/scholarships
