The Ball Foundation and SKILLED Nation have extended their scholarship partnership for a third year, taking Ball’s cumulative investment in the programme to $300,000.

The Ball Foundation SKILLED Scholarship will provide a further 60 students with $2,500 scholarships in 2026 to support education and training for careers in advanced manufacturing and related technical fields.

Across the three years of the partnership, more than 100 scholarships will have been supported.

“Three years and $300,000 reflect The Ball Foundation’s sustained commitment to creating real opportunities for students pursuing skilled careers,” said Alvin Townley, Founding Executive Director of SKILLED Nation. “This partnership is helping remove financial barriers to education while connecting students with the skills, credentials and career pathways American industry needs. We’re proud to continue working with Ball to build brighter futures for students and a stronger skilled workforce for the communities we both serve.”

According to SKILLED Nation, approximately 90% of scholars from the first two cohorts are enrolled, have graduated or are expected to remain in training as they work towards completing their programmes.

The organisation said 80% of its 2025 scholarship recipients reported annual household incomes below $50,000. Recipient feedback has also pointed to reduced financial stress, a greater ability to focus on coursework and increased confidence in pursuing long-term career goals.

Recipients have reported employment, internships, promotions and wage increases connected to their technical training.

“Reaching $300,000 in scholarship support over three years reflects The Ball Foundation’s commitment to expanding opportunity through skilled education and training,” said Jessica Leary, Executive Director of The Ball Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with SKILLED Nation to help students build in-demand technical skills while creating pathways to meaningful careers that strengthen families, communities and the future workforce.”

The scholarship supports education and training in areas including automation and mechatronics, industrial maintenance, electrical and mechanical engineering technology, CNC machining and programming, welding and fabrication, robotics, PLC and controls, and related fields.

Applications for the 2026 scholarship programme are open, with awards made on a rolling basis until all available funds have been allocated.

SKILLED Nation works with corporations, foundations and philanthropic organisations to expand access to education and training for high-demand skilled careers. Its scholarship and workforce programmes are intended to help individuals gain technical skills and credentials while supporting employers seeking skilled workers.