Fairfax County Public Schools Adult and Community Education Program (FCPS ACE) Continues to Empower the Development of Future Trades Professionals with the Adult and Community Education Scholarship Program
With the Adult and Community Education Training and Scholarship Foundation’s support FCPS ACE announces an increased level of fall 2025 scholarships available, and that the application period is officially open.
Fairfax, VA – July 2, 2025 – The Fairfax County Public Schools Adult and Community Education program (FCPS ACE) that empowers individuals to build brighter futures with accessible and affordable workforce development and training programs, announces that the Adult and Community Education Training and Scholarship Foundation’s Scholarship for current and prospective FCPS ACE Apprenticeship students is open for application, with increased opportunities to award more scholarships this fall.
The Adult and Community Education Scholarship Program is designed to support low-income adults living or working in Fairfax County who are seeking a career in the trades. The scholarship is offered to current and prospective FCPS ACE Apprenticeship students twice a year. Current applicants will be applying for a $1,000 scholarship that when awarded would be applied to a fall 2025 Apprenticeship class, such as Electrical level 1 or 3, Plumbing level 1or 3, or HVAC levels 1-4. The deadline to apply for the fall 2025 Adult and Community Education Scholarship is August 15, 2025.
Over the past year alone, through the Adult and Community Education Scholarship Program, FCPS ACE has awarded nearly $40,000, in scholarships to Apprenticeship students. Through the support of the Adult and Community Education Training and Scholarship Foundation, FCPS ACE is in the position to award nearly $40,000 in scholarships this fall alone.
Additionally, this summer with the Adult and Community Education Training and Scholarship Foundation’s support, FCPS ACE was able to offer students a discount to take FCPS ACE’s Apprenticeship 101 course, which is an exploratory class for upper-level high school students, newly graduated students, and those who are seeking a career change to learn foundational basics for a career in the trades. Based in curriculum from the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER), it is a rigorous introduction to construction skills and covers topics such as Basic Safety, Hand and Power Tools, Construction Math, Communication Skills, Introduction to Construction Drawings, and Construction Careers. In this course, students gain much more than the technical knowledge, but an understanding for real-world application and lessons in soft skills needed to help students accelerate their growth as trades professionals.
“We are honored that with the Adult and Community Education Training and Scholarship Foundation’s support and additional support with this summer’s Apprenticeship 101 class that FCPS ACE is in a position to eliminate financial barriers and open education opportunities for individuals in Fairfax County,” said Paul D. Steiner, Adult and Community Education Administrator. “There is tremendous growth opportunities within the trades in the region and year over year, we see how impactful this scholarship program is in empowering students to stay on their education path and help accelerate their journey toward Apprenticeship certifications and careers.”
Current and prospective Apprenticeship students interested in applying for the fall 2025 Adult and Community Education Scholarship Program may apply here. For more information or to address questions related to the application process, applicants may contact educationalcounseling@fcps.edu.
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About FCPS ACE
The Fairfax County Public Schools Adult and Community Education program (FCPS ACE) empowers individuals, organizations, and the community to build brighter futures with accessible and affordable workforce development and training programs, flexible online education, and lifelong learning opportunities. Whether you are exploring post high school career options, newly graduated, a returning learner, or looking to retrain or pivot in your career, FCPS ACE embraces diversity and welcomes all students. We eliminate barriers with learning options that fit seamlessly into your life, provide low-cost entry points for education that transforms the lives of our students, and deliver a top talent pool and advancement opportunities to the community. From life empowerment learning and workforce ready basics such as Driver’s Ed and language building skills to quick paths to cutting-edge certifications, FCPS ACE makes your goals achievable. Our students’ success is what drives FCPS ACE. With more than 60 years of history and a deep connection to the local community, FCPS ACE is for you.