— The PHCC Educational Foundation is expanding its scholarship program in 2026, increasing the number of awards available to support workforce development in the plumbing and HVACR trades.

According to the Foundation, 75 scholarships totaling $180,000 will be awarded to eligible applicants. The program is open to plumbing and HVACR apprentices employed by PHCC—National Association member contractors, students enrolled in plumbing or HVAC programs at trade schools or community colleges, and college students pursuing degrees related to the plumbing-heating-cooling industry.

Scholarship awards range from $1,500 to $10,000, with most awards set at $3,000. Applicants must complete an application, answer five questions about their interest in the industry, and submit a letter of recommendation. The application deadline is May 1, and materials are available at phccfoundation.org/scholarships.

John Zink, vice president of development and communications for the PHCC Educational Foundation, said the program is designed to address the rising cost of technical education. “These scholarships help to remove that obstacle,” Zink said. “That can mean helping an apprentice get enrolled, supporting a technician trying to advance, or allowing an employer to redirect training dollars where they’re needed most.”

The scholarship program is funded through contributions from contractors and support from corporate partners, including A. O. Smith, Bradford White Corporation, Delta Faucet Company, Ferguson Cares Foundation, Home Depot Pro, InSinkErator, RIDGID, Scorpion Home Services Marketing, State Water Heaters, and Sterling, a Kohler brand.