Dow Last Mile Fund for Manufacturing & Skilled Trades

Dow logo in red diamond shape with white text

Get up to $5,000 to complete your program

If you’re in a manufacturing or skilled trades program and facing a financial obstacle, this fund can help you finish.

Applications are open 24/7 and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Supporting the talent pipeline in and around Dow communities.

First, Know This

This funding is a gift — not a loan or scholarship.

  • You do not pay it back

  • No tax burden

  • Does not reduce your financial aid

  • No GPA requirement

If approved, the money is yours to remove a barrier and keep moving forward.

  • Attend school OR live within 50 miles of a Dow community

  • Are enrolled in an associate or eligible certificate program in manufacturing or skilled trades and have completed at least two semesters, or 50% of your program. You may apply during your second semester for support needed to continue.

  • Have specific expense(s) you cannot cover this term

Apply If You

A worker welding metal in a dark industrial workshop, wearing a yellow safety helmet and protective gear, with sparks flying from the welding process.

Use the map below to check whether your home or school is within 50 miles of an eligible location.

Dow Communities

Students often ask for help with financial barriers such as:

  • Tuition or school fees

  • Tools or certification costs

  • Rent or utilities

  • Gas or transportation

  • Groceries

  • Medical expenses

  • Childcare

If a bill is getting in the way of finishing your program, tell us about it.

What The Funding Can Cover

Students in programs like these frequently receive support:

  • Electrical Technology

  • Welding Technology

  • HVAC / Refrigeration

  • Process Technology

  • Industrial Maintenance

  • Instrumentation Technology

  • Manufacturing Technology

  • Laboratory Technology

Programs That Often Qualify

Dow and Last Mile Education Fund invest in skilled trades students because the workforce needs you.

Technicians, operators, electricians, welders, and other skilled trades professionals power our communities and industries.

When you finish your program, you:

  • increase your earning potential

  • strengthen financial stability for yourself and your family

  • create long-term economic mobility

Your completion matters — to your community and the workforce.

Why This Fund Exists

What You’ll Need to Apply

The application takes about 15 minutes

You’ll need:

  • A transcript (unofficial is fine)

  • Documentation of your expense(s)

  • A basic LinkedIn profile with a photo (how to set up account)

The Dow logo, a red diamond shape with the word 'Dow' in white letters inside.

The Dow Last Mile Fund for Manufacturing & Skilled Trades is made possible by Dow

Ready To Apply?

If money is the only thing standing between you and finishing your program, take the next step. Applications are open 24/7 and our team reviews every application on a rolling basis.

Still Have Questions?

Know a striving student that qualifies?

If you're a faculty member, advisor, or friend who knows a STEM student facing financial barriers to graduation, let us know.