$500Hire Local Crew Trades & Home Services Scholarship

About the scholarship

Hire Local Crew runs a network of locally-focused service business websites across the United States. We work with contractors and home-services pros every day. We see firsthand how the trades shape neighborhoods, communities, and household economics.

Every year, we award one $500 scholarship to a college student writing thoughtfully about where this industry is going — automation, AI agents booking real-world services, the skilled-labor pipeline, contractor economics, climate-adaptation work, or anything adjacent.

The award is paid directly to the winner's financial aid office on receipt of an enrollment verification letter.

Essay topics (pick one)

1. "The future of the skilled trades." How will demographics, automation, and immigration policy reshape the trades over the next 20 years? Make a prediction and defend it.
2. "AI agents and local services." By 2030, consumer AI agents may book contractors directly. What changes for homeowners? For contractors? Where does pricing go?
3. "Why I want to work in this industry." If you're considering a career in the trades or in home-services tech, tell us why — and what would have to be true for you to commit.
4. "The hidden economy of home maintenance." Pick a single household decision (roof replacement, tree removal, HVAC system, foundation repair) and explore the economics: cost, lifespan, financing, opportunity cost.
5. Your own topic. If you have a different idea about the home-services industry or skilled trades, propose it.

Apply

Fill out the form below. You may either link to your essay (Google Docs, Notion, PDF) or paste the full text directly.