by Viktoria Hansen

Do you know Walton County women who are interested in pursuing certification in a trade? As the economy continues its upward spiral, the need for skilled tradespeople is soaring.

The Walton Republican Women Federated (WRWF) recognizes the importance of women learning a trade. To that end, WRWF is offering “Continuing Education Grants” to women of any age who want to pursue certification in a trade. To be eligible, applicants must be Walton County residents with a high school diploma or GED. There are no restrictions in the courses of study women may pursue.  

The WRWF is working with Emerald Coast Technical College and Northwest Florida State College, accredited schools offering a wide range of programs that could lead to certification in less than two years. Grants range from $500 to $1,000 per year, depending on available funds. Grant funds will be sent to the program or school of choice, and will be made available in January of each year through the school’s Financial Aid Department.

The deadline for applications is Monday, Oct. 15, 2018. Eligible applicants may re-apply.

Last year’s recipients were Ashley Cathey and Myrna Boyer, both of whom attended Emerald Coast Technical College. Ms. Cathey recently graduated in the Cosmetology program. Ms. Boyer is pursuing Computer Systems & IT.

“We want to help women students from Walton County expand and achieve their career goals,” said Margaret Crozier, chairman of the Continuing Education Grant committee. “Jobs in the trades are jobs of the future, and we want women to know that it’s never too late to go back to school and start a new career.”

For information, contact Margaret Crozier, (850) 585-4859, (macrozier@cox.net). Applications are available on the ECTC, Walton County School District, and NFSC websites. For info, call ECTC, (850) 892-1240; and the Financial Aid Department at NFSC, (850) 678-1111.

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