Hospital phlebotomists or technicians. Restaurant or private chefs. Firefighter/ EMTs. Construction managers.
Charlotte Quesada Krugh hears these types of jobs are hot for Jackson Hole high school students and local businesses.
“Folks who want to go into construction and plumbing and electrical, those are some very visible careers where people here are making a good living,” said the executive director of Jackson Hole First in Family.
Over 50% of Wyoming’s workforce requires training beyond a high school diploma but not a college degree, according to 2018 data presented by the National Skills Coalition.
But for people who are the first in their families to go to college, paying for that training can still be out of reach.
Associates degrees for degrees in auto mechanics or culinary arts can cost up to $40,000.
The 9-year-old organization raises money from grants and philanthropy to give away $4,000 per year for selected students to attend college or university. The money can help cover tuition and fees, room and board, books, transportation or required health insurance. Krugh said recipients are expected to cobble together several sources of scholarships and grants. But after talking with students, Central Wyoming College and local employers, Krugh said it became apparent that the mission should expand.
“If you want a good livable wage here in Teton County, going into the trades can be one of the best opportunities to have that,” she said.
The organization is currently hiring for a role to help next year’s pilot class.
With the addition of trade scholarships, First In Family Jackson Hole hopes to expand from supporting about 10 students in each cohort this year to 17 annual scholarships for all students as soon as next year.
