The Blue-Collar Scholars program now taking applications from Jackson County graduating seniors who plan to attend vocational or trade school in the fall.
Poke Sallet Foundation Board Member Casey Clark-Jackson said the scholarship inspired by the need for more skills-based workers. The foundation funds the program through net proceeds from community events including the Poke Sallet Festival and the Downtown Cook-Off.
“Many of the highly specialized trade schools are not covered by Tennessee Promise, such as Auto Diesel college or welding school,” Clark-Jackson said.
The foundation has allocated more than $5,000 to the scholarship fund since its initial announcement in 2023. The program is designed to help provide funding for students who wish to attend schools that fall outside the parameters of state funding.
“Our hope is that this scholarship program will grow to fill a gap between the funding that is available and what is needed for these students to enter fields that wouldn’t otherwise be available to them,” Clark-Jackson said.
The Poke Sallet Foundation operates as a registered nonprofit organization with a mission to preserve Jackson County culture while providing funding for local teens.
“We can’t thank the board members of the Poke Sallet Foundation enough for this amazing opportunity for our kids in Jackson County,” Buck said.
Applications must be postmarked by March 31, 2026, and the winner will be announced at the Poke Sallet Festival on May 9, 2026.