Trade and Technical Scholarship
The Trade and Technical School Scholarship is designed to help students jump-start their careers in high-demand trades. This award supports individuals who are ready to take the next step into certified training programs and develop the skills needed for strong, stable, hands-on careers.
2026 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Shreyashi Bodaka
Strawberry Crest High School
Awarded $500
Shreyashi Bodaka is a senior in the IB program at Strawberry Crest High School. She is also currently enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician program at Aparicio-Levy Technical College, from which she will graduate in May 2026. She will attend Rice University for Bioengineering in the fall, where she hopes to volunteer as an EMT while pursuing a pre-med track. She hopes to serve the community through medicine, particularly the neurodivergent community. She greatly appreciates the support of the Peirano Family Foundation!
Omar Prudencio
Strawberry Crest High School
Awarded $500
Omar Prudencio is a proud student at Strawberry Crest High School, where he has dedicated himself to both his education and his community. Giving back has always been a core part of who he is, and he makes it a priority to show up for those around him through volunteer work, local initiatives, and community involvement. Omar believes that true success is measured not just by personal achievements, but by the positive impact we have on the people around us. After graduation, he plans to major in auto mechanics at Erwin Technical College, where he will continue building the skills needed to serve and uplift his community even further. Omar says he is truly honored to receive this award and deeply grateful for the support that has helped him get to where he is.
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
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17-21 years of age (at time of application)
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Attends a Hillsborough County high school on track to graduate in Spring 2026 OR
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Earned a high school diploma or GED
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Accepted to a trade program in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, or Manatee County
Award Amount
The amount of $500 will be awarded to the recipient of the scholarship on or before May 1, 2026.
Application Process
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Review eligibility criteria
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Complete online application
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Submit required 250–300 word essay
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Upload or submit via email one letter of recommendation from a teacher/instructor, school staff member, administrator, or employer (no family members or personal friends)
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Upload a current high school transcript or summary worksheet verifying “on track” to graduate in Spring 2026 OR
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Upload high school diploma or GED certificate
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Upload proof of age (must be 17-21 years of age at time of application). This can be a driver's license, state ID or birth certificate.
Application Deadline
Completed application and all supporting documents must be received no later than midnight on February 20, 2026.
Disclaimer
Children of members of the Peirano Family Foundation Board of Directors are not eligible to apply. Children of donors to the Peirano Family Foundation are welcome to apply, but will receive no preferential rating. Scholarship applications will be subject to a blind review process by a panel of outside judges.
