Humboldt Builders' Exchange Offers Four Scholarships for Local Seniors Entering Trades

The Humboldt Builders' Exchange is awarding four scholarships this year to local high school seniors who plan to pursue careers in the skilled trades, with applications accepted through Friday, May 1, 2026 at 5 p.m.

The nonprofit, which has served Humboldt County and surrounding areas since 1959, accepts students heading in any number of directions: someone bound for an engineering degree out of state qualifies just as much as a graduate planning to enroll in an electrician certification program at College of the Redwoods. The scholarships are intended to keep construction and trade expertise rooted in the region.

The number of scholarships grew from three in 2025 to four this year. Last year, the organization awarded three graduating seniors $4,000 each, distributing $12,000 in total to students pursuing skilled trades careers.

Seniors interested in applying can request the 2026 application by emailing info@humbx.com. For additional information, Executive Director Jada Brotman can be reached at 707-672-3382.

The organization's charitable arm, HBECF, describes its mission as motivating local youth to continue their education while simultaneously strengthening the county's construction industry. That dual purpose, investing in individual students while addressing the regional workforce pipeline, has guided the scholarship program since the exchange was founded more than six decades ago.