Pohaki Trades & Technical Scholarship

Purpose

In an effort to encourage careers in the skilled trades and strengthen the local workforce on the Iron Range, Pohaki is proud to offer annual scholarships to graduating high school seniors pursuing trade-related education.

The Pohaki Scholarship Program supports students who demonstrate a strong interest in the trades and a commitment to building their future—and their career—right here in northeastern Minnesota.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

Be a graduating high school senior from Rock Ridge, Mountain Iron–Buhl, or Saint Louis County Schools
Plan to enroll in an accredited trade school or technical program
Demonstrate interest in a career in the skilled trades

Application Timeline

Applications Open: January 1, 2026
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026

All application materials must be received by the deadline to be considered. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Scholarship Award

Pohaki will award up to three (3) scholarships per academic year. One scholarship will be awarded per school district per year. Each scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $750.

Scholarship recipients will be selected by a review committee made up of Pohaki staff.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

Completed Scholarship Application
Two (2) letters of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, counselor, coach, or community leader
Copy of high school transcript and/or PSEO transcript(s) (if applicable)
Applicant must indicate/explain:
- Why the applicant is pursuing a career in the skilled trades
- Educational and career goals
- Future plans following completion of trade school
- Why the applicant believes they should be selected for a Pohaki Scholarship

Submission Instructions

Completed applications and all supporting materials must be submitted by March 31, 2026. Submission details may be provided by the student’s school or directly by Pohaki.

Electronic submissions preferred. Downloaded scholarship applications may be submitted in person directly to Pohaki at: 804 North 6th Avenue, Virginia, MN 55792 or by email to: info@pohaki.com.

Download Application

Pohaki reserves the right to verify all application materials.

Pohaki is proud to support the next generation of skilled trade professionals and invest in the future of the Iron Range.

Student Name

First Last

Address

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Phone

High School

GPA

Intended College / Trade School

Intended Field of Study

Extracurricular Activities, Community Service, and Leadership Roles

Notable Achievements, Honors, or Awards

Why are you pursuing a career in the skilled trades?

What are your educational and career goals?

What are your future plans following the completion of college / trade school?

Why do you believe you should be selected for a Pohaki Scholarship?

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit two (2) letters of recommendation. Letters should come from individuals familiar with the student’s character, work ethic, leadership, or interest in the trades, such as teachers, coaches, school administrators, employers, or community leaders.

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: docx, pdf, Max. file size: 128 MB.

Transcripts

Applicants must submit a copy of their high school transcript and/or PSEO transcript(s) (if applicable). Transcripts must include the student’s current GPA.

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: docx, pdf, Max. file size: 128 MB.