Home Depot Scholarships

What Is the FutureReady Scholarship?

me Depot supports multiple scholarship programs tailored to different students:

• Orange Scholars Scholarship: Awards $2,500 to dependents of Home Depot associates, based on financial need, academic performance, and community involvement. In 2024, it supported 1,000 students, though exact numbers for 2025 may vary.
• Path to Pro Scholarship: Offers $2,500 to students pursuing skilled trades like carpentry, HVAC, or construction management. A special category for women in construction provides $4,000, reflecting Home Depot’s focus on diversity in trades.
• HBCU Scholarship: Provides $2,500 to 30 full-time students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for the 2024–2025 academic year, with a preference for construction-related majors.

These programs reflect Home Depot’s mission to foster talent in industries that build and improve communities, offering both financial aid and encouragement for future leaders.

Who Is Eligible for the Home Depot Scholarship?

Eligibility varies by program:

• Orange Scholars:
  • Dependents of full- or part-time hourly Home Depot associates (U.S., Canada, Mexico)
  • High school seniors or college freshmen, sophomores, or juniors planning full-time enrollment at an accredited, non-profit two- or four-year college or trade school for Fall 2025
  • Parent or guardian must have been a Home Depot associate for at least one year by November 1, 2024, and remain employed when the scholarship is awarded.
  • Financial need is a primary consideration.
• Path to Pro:
  • High school seniors, graduates, or GED holders planning to enroll (or currently enrolled) in a trade-related program at an accredited two-year technical/vocational school or college in the U.S.
  • Open to traditional and non-traditional students (e.g., veterans, adult learners) studying fields like carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or construction management.
  • Not open to Home Depot employees or their dependents.
• HBCU Scholarship:
  • Full-time students enrolled at a public or private HBCU during the 2024–2025 school year
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Demonstrated financial need; preference for construction-related majors (though not strictly required).

All applicants must be U.S. residents or legally eligible to study in the U.S.

Application Requirements for Home Depot Scholarships

Requirements differ by program:

• Orange Scholars: Submit an online application through the Orange Scholars Website, including proof of financial need (e.g., family income details) and an academic record (e.g., transcript or enrollment verification). No essays are required, making it accessible for eligible dependents.
• Path to Pro: Complete an online form at Home Depot Foundation, including two 250-word essays—one on your passion for skilled trades and another on your career goals in fields like plumbing or construction—plus proof of enrollment or acceptance into a qualifying trade program.
• HBCU Scholarship: Submit an online application (typically via a portal like Financial Aid Finder for the 2024–2025 cycle), including a one-page personal statement on a significant challenge you’ve overcome and how it prepares you for your career, plus a transcript verifying full-time HBCU enrollment and a 3.0 GPA. Recommendation letters are not required.

Check specific program websites for full details, as requirements may evolve or include additional instructions.

How to Apply to Home Depot Scholarships

The application process for the Home Depot Scholarship is straightforward, but it’s important to follow each step carefully to ensure your application is complete. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Visit the Relevant Websites: Go to the Orange Scholars Website and Home Depot Foundation page to submit required materials.
2. Complete the Online Application: Fill out the form with accurate details, including personal information (e.g., name, contact info), academic history (e.g., school attended, GPA), and financial details where required (e.g., household income for need-based programs). Create an account if prompted, and save your progress as needed.
3. Submit Required Materials: Upload all necessary documents specific to your program—e.g., essays for Path to Pro, transcripts for HBCU, or financial need proof for Orange Scholars. Ensure files meet the format and size requirements listed on the site.
4. Review and Submit Before the Deadline: Double-check your application for completeness and accuracy, proofreading essays and verifying all materials are included. Submit well ahead of the deadline (e.g., January 17, 2025, for Orange Scholars; December 31, 2024, for Path to Pro) to avoid technical issues.
5. Start Early: Begin weeks in advance to request transcripts, draft essays, or gather financial records, ensuring time to address delays or questions.

By preparing thoroughly and submitting on time, you’ll maximize your chances of success.

Deadlines & Important Dates for Home Depot Scholarships

Deadlines for Home Depot scholarships vary by program, so plan ahead to meet these critical dates:

• Orange Scholars: Applications are due by January 17, 2025, for the 2025 cycle. This annual deadline targets dependents of Home Depot associates planning to attend college in the fall, with recipients typically notified in spring (e.g., April or May).
• Path to Pro: The general scholarship deadline was December 31, 2024, for students entering trade programs in early 2025. The women-in-construction $4,000 award may have quarterly deadlines (e.g., March 31, June 30, September 30), though exact dates vary by cycle. Awards are disbursed shortly after selection.
• HBCU Scholarship: The deadline was September 9, 2024, for the 2024–2025 academic year, meaning it’s now closed. This early fall cutoff aligns with the academic calendar for HBCU students, with the next cycle likely opening in summer 2025 (e.g., July or August).

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning

Tailor your approach to stand out:

• Orange Scholars:
  • Highlight your connection to Home Depot’s values (e.g., service, teamwork) as an associate’s dependent.
  • Provide clear, detailed financial need documentation—explain how $2,500 eases specific burdens like tuition.
  • Submit a complete, error-free application early via the Orange Scholars website.
• Path to Pro:
  • Share a personal story in your essays (e.g., a DIY project) to show authentic passion for trades.
  • Align career goals with the program’s mission (e.g., becoming an electrician), demonstrating commitment.
  • Submit a polished application before December 31, 2024, at Path to Pro website.
• HBCU Scholarship:
  • Craft a compelling personal statement tying resilience (e.g., overcoming obstacles) to your HBCU journey and career goals.
  • Justify financial need clearly, connecting the $2,500 to your education.
  • Submit early with a strong transcript (3.0+ GPA) via the designated portal.

Start preparing weeks ahead to refine materials and meet deadlines confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Depot Scholarships

Here are answers to common questions about Home Depot scholarships:

How competitive are they?

• Orange Scholars: Moderately competitive with up to 1,000 awards; strong financial need and academics stand out.
• Path to Pro: More selective due to fewer awards (exact numbers vary); compelling essays are key.
• HBCU Scholarship: Highly competitive with only 30 awards; resilience and GPA boost odds.

Can college students apply?

• Orange Scholars: Yes, for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are dependents, pursuing full-time study.
• Path to Pro: Yes, for students in trade programs, including non-traditional learners.
• HBCU Scholarship: Yes, for full-time HBCU students (not high schoolers).

How are funds distributed?

Funds go directly to your school for tuition, fees, or books—not to you personally—after enrollment verification.