Home Depot pledges $1 million to scholarship program

The Home Depot has announced $1 million in funding for its 2010 Pro Trade Scholarship Program, more than tripling a $300,000 scholarship fund it established in 2009 to support students at professional building and construction trade schools.

This year's program will support students and their schools with $1,000 scholarships available to 500 trade school students. The schools of the recipients will receive additional funds for classrooms from the Home Depot Foundation through matching gifts of $1,000 for each scholarship awarded to one or more of their students.

"Professional contractors are important customers of the Home Depot, and their future is vital to the American dream of home ownership and economic growth," said Chris Waits, VP sales and services at Home Depot. "Now, more than ever, we want to help our current and future pros build successful businesses."

Scholarship applications will be accepted through April 30 online at homedepot.com/tradescholarship.