Home improvement retailer The Home Depot established its first-ever Trade Scholarship Program, awarding more than 600 students enrolled in building and construction trade programs entering the final year or term of their degree or career program.

The program will award $500 to each recipient, to help offset the cost of tuition, fees, books, and supplies. In total, Home Depot estimates that over $300,000 in scholarships will be awarded this fall.

“The Home Depot has always been committed to its Pro customers, and through this scholarship program, we are working to meet the needs of the next generation of building and construction trade professionals,” said vice president of sales and services Chris Waits. “We know that there are thousands of students at colleges and trade schools across the country who are preparing themselves for a career in this field. We recognize the hard work that it takes to complete these education programs, and we want to provide scholarship assistance to defray some of the cost.”

Winners will be selected based on academic performance, leadership, and work experience. English and Spanish applications are available online at www.homedepot.com/tradescholarship. The application deadline is June 20 and winners will be announced in September.