Scholarship

It all started when…

Doug Trice's roots in Oregon ran deep. He was the son of Lucky Trice, one of a small number of Black loggers at Maxville, a segregated company logging town in Oregon's Wallowa County where Black families were recruited to work in the 1920s and '30s despite the state's exclusion laws. To honor Doug's memory as a coach and teacher, we have established a scholarship fund.

Why a scholarship fund for the trades?

Members of Generation Z are increasingly bypassing the traditional four-year college path. Consequently, enrollment at public two-year institutions that offer skilled trade certifications has surged by 20% since 2020.

While interest in trade education reaches record highs, low-income students continue to face financial barriers with the upfront, out-of-pocket expenses required for accelerated technical programs. Creating a scholarship fund specifically for the skilled trades allows donor contributions to go substantially further than they would in a traditional university fund.

Vocational and technical schools—commonly known as trade schools—prepare students for careers in essential industries, with standard programs usually lasting just one to two years.

MHIC aims to empower individuals pursuing careers in welding, vehicle repair, construction, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and dozens of other high-demand fields by providing access to necessary training without the burden of heavy debt. These fields offer significant job security and strong career advancement. For instance, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for HVAC mechanics and installers is projected to expand by 8% from 2024 to 2034, growing at double the average rate for all occupations.

For more information or to make a donation, please contact us.