Upper Bucks County Technical School student receives scholarship

SkillsUSA celebrated SkillsUSA National Signing Day, working with industry partners to highlight the value of skilled trades careers.
The nationwide events recognized career and technical students for their dedication to career readiness and their commitment to their future career plans. Hundreds of SkillsUSA schools in 27 states and Puerto Rico participated in the 2021 event most virtually, but some in-person, honoring students across the country. This year’s partners for SkillsUSA Signing Day were The Home Depot, Klein Tools, 84 Lumber and NC3.
On Signing Day, SkillsUSA students were recognized at school ceremonies by administrators, teachers, elected officials, SkillsUSA advisors, family and friends for making the decision to pursue their career in the skilled trades. In a fashion similar to signing day events for student athletes who commit to a college or team, students were applauded as they signed letters of intent for a job offer, apprenticeship or further technical training. Throughout the day, skilled trades supporters nationwide shared their encouragement for these future workers, and these efforts were amplified by media outreach. The Home Depot, Klein Tools and 84 Lumber each sponsored key events.
With keen emphasis on student’s futures, both The Home Depot Foundation and 84 Lumber issued 16 scholarships in all, six from The Home Depot, and 10 from 84 Lumber, to 2021 SkillsUSA program participants, including: Luke Overholt, Upper Bucks County Technical School.

This combined investment of $80,000 in scholarships $30,000 from The Home Depot Foundation and $50,000 from 84 Lumber will help these students advance their careers.
Additionally, Klein Tools hosted a satellite media tour with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and his career electrician father Tony, during which the two spoke extensively to nearly two dozen media outlets nationwide about the importance of National Signing Day and encouraging the next generation of skilled trades professionals. Afterwards, the Garoppolos participated alongside several guests in a virtual National Signing Day event for SkillsUSA students in Arizona and Nevada.
Working alongside The Home Depot, Klein Tools also sent merchandise and tools to students in their Southeast and West Coast sponsorship regions to assist with preparation for their career journeys.
Members of the 84 Lumber team joined former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome “The Bus” Bettis for Signing Day at the 84 Lumber store in Bridgeville, Pa., which included remarks from SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. There, they surprised 10 building trades students from seven schools with $5,000 scholarships and backpacks filled with iPads and other supplies for their careers.

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