Harbor Freight supports skilled trades teachers

Outstanding U.S. public high school skilled trades teachers can now apply for a total of $1.5 million in cash prizes given out by Harbor Freight Tools through a program of The Smidt Foundation.

The mission of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, said the company, is to increase understanding, support and investment in skilled trades education in U.S. public high schools. The prize is its flagship program.

“From the beginning our goal has been to serve as a catalyst to bring more attention and support to the exceptional skilled trades teachers and students across the country,” said Danny Corwin, executive director of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools.

Since 2017 more than $6 million has been awarded to more than 100 skilled trades teachers and their programs through the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, said the company.

“We are excited for our seventh year of the prize and cannot wait to hear from new and returning applicants about the excellent work they are doing on behalf of students,” said Corwin.

This year the total amount of cash prizes will jump from $1.25 million to $1.5 million. The number of winners will increase from 20 to 25, and winners will be announced in October.

The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence was started in 2017 by Harbor Freight Tools owner and founder Eric Smidt.

“The shortage of skilled trades workers in the United States is becoming a bigger challenge every day. America depends on high school skilled trades teachers to prepare the next generation of skilled trades workers,” said Smidt.

The best skilled trades programs embody what great hands-on teaching and learning should look like in any classroom, said the company.

Excellent skilled trades teachers are deeply knowledgeable and passionate about their subject matter, said the firm, and the potential of their students, teach skills, leadership and collaboration skills, and offer a relevant curriculum that is connected to skilled trades career pathways.

“This prize is our way of recognizing the extraordinary work of skilled trades teachers, who rarely get the credit or attention they deserve,” said Smidt.

The deadline to apply is Friday, May 5. Teachers can apply at: https://hftforschoolsprize.org/