Harbor Freight Tools for Schools 2026

Harbor Freight Tools for Schools is excited to offer travel scholarships to eligible high school students competing in skilled trades competitions at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC) this June in Atlanta. Students can apply to receive up to $1,500 to assist in attending NLSC, June 1-5, 2026

Curious about eligibility for the scholarship funds? Applicants must be current students in U.S. public high schools, and either a) competing in a skilled trades pathway, or b) competing in a Leadership Development competition and enrolled in a skilled trades program during the 2025-26 school year. 

SkillsUSA is proud to announce, in partnership with Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, a scholarship opportunity for SkillsUSA high school members. Applicants can receive up to $1,500 to attend the 2025 National Leadership and Skills Conference.

The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Travel Scholarship will open February 23 and the deadline to apply is April 24, 2026 (Phase 1) and May 14, 2026 (Phase 2).

• Phase 1 is open to all members whose State Leadership and Skills Conference concluded by April 17, 2026.

• Phase 2 is open to all members whose State Leadership and Skills Conference was held between April 17 and May 14, 2026.

See full details about the scholarship phases here.

To be eligible to apply for the SkillsUSA-Harbor Freight #ToolsforSchools Scholars you must be:.

• Member of SkillsUSA chapters at public high schools in the United States.

• Eligible to compete on behalf of their state in the SkillsUSA 2026 NLSC.

• Registered to compete in the following contests at the 2026 NLSC.

  • Additive Manufacturing

  • Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair

  • Automotive Refinishing Technology

  • Automotive Service Technology

  • Aviation Maintenance Technology

  • Cabinetmaking

  • Carpentry

  • CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer

  • CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer

  • CNC 5-Axis Milling Programmer

  • CNC Programmer

  • Collision Repair Technology

  • Diesel Equipment Technology

  • Electrical Construction Wiring

  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR)

  • Industrial Motor Control

  • Internet of Things Smart Home

  • Marine Service Technology

  • Masonry

  • Mechatronics

  • Mobile Electronics Installation

  • Motorcycle Service Technology

  • Plumbing

  • Power Equipment Technology

  • Sheet Metal

  • TeamWorks

  • Welding

  • Welding Fabrication

  • Welding Sculpture

• Students eligible to compete at the 2026 NLSC in the following contests may receive scholarships from the fund, provided they were enrolled in one of the skilled trades program areas listed above during the 2025-2026 school year:

  • Action Skills

  • American Spirit

  • Career Pathways Showcase: Industrial Engineering Technology

  • Career Pathways Showcase: Natural Resources and Agriculture

  • Chapter Business Procedure

  • Chapter Display

  • Community Action Project

  • Community Service

  • Customer Service

  • Employment Application Process

  • Entrepreneurship

  • Extemporaneous Speaking

  • Facilithon-Leadership in Facility Management

  • Job Interview

  • Job Skill Demonstration A

  • Job Skill Demonstration Open

  • Opening and Closing Ceremonies

  • Occupational Health and Safety

  • Outstanding Chapter

  • Prepared Speech

  • Principles of Technology

  • Promotional Bulletin Board

  • Quiz Bowl