Wayne Duddlesten Foundation awards $100,000 grant to support trades scholarships at Blinn College

Gift will be used for workforce training scholarships

July 12, 2021

The Wayne Duddlesten Foundation has awarded the Blinn College Foundation a $100,000 grant to provide scholarships for students seeking trades career training.

Wayne Duddlesten, a prominent Houston businessman and philanthropist, established his foundation in 1981 to help non-profit organizations and educational institutions.

The grant will be used exclusively for scholarships to students pursuing trade occupations at Blinn College, including carpentry, certified nurse aide, certified clinical medical assistant, CPR/first aid, drafting, electrician technician and electrical license renewal, facilities maintenance, HVAC, industrial safety, machining, manufacturing technician, nursing, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy technician, plumbing, truck driving, surveying technician, water purification, and welding.

These programs place students on the path to careers that are in high demand and offer highly competitive salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, carpenters earn a median salary of $49,520 per year, electrical technicians earn $56,180, HVAC professionals earn $50,590, and truck drivers earn $47,130. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu/workforce.

Kathy Young of the Duddlesten Foundation Board of Directors lauded Blinn’s workforce training programs and the help they provide in meeting the needs of both employers and workers.

“We were impressed by the fact that Blinn College offers educational opportunities for students looking to get workforce training,” Young said. “It is outstanding that Blinn offers such an array of opportunities for people seeking workforce or trade certifications that result in them being able to go out and get a job immediately.

“There are many people who are ready, willing, and able to go out and get one of these great well-paying trade jobs. All they need is the certification for it. We commend what Blinn College is doing and are pleased to support it as it provides these opportunities.”

Blinn Foundation Board Chair Sam Sommer said the Duddlesten Foundation grant will have a tremendous impact.

“We’re honored that the Duddlesten Foundation has chosen us for such a generous gift that will help so many students,” Sommer said. “Mr. Duddlesten’s legacy is one of giving to others, and we’re proud to be a part of that.

“Every scholarship or grant – no matter the amount – is sincerely appreciated and goes directly to help students who want to better their lives through education.”

The Foundation, which oversees almost 300 endowed scholarships, also provides financial support for programs and activities that enhance the quality of education for Blinn students, looks to heighten community awareness of the mission and accomplishments of the college, and promotes excellence in education.

More information on funding an endowed scholarship or applying is available at www.blinn.edu/foundation or by calling 979-830-4017.

Current high school and college students can apply for approximately 300 Blinn scholarships through a single application at www.blinn.edu/scholarships. Prior to applying for scholarships, students must complete their application for admission to Blinn College at www.goapplytexas.org.

Registration is now open for the fall semester.