Transforming Career and Technical
Education
The Harbor Freight Fellows Initiative (HFFI) is a partnership between Big Picture Learning and the
Harbor Freight Tools for Schools program to elevate the respect and resources accorded youth (and their teachers).
We support youth for whom the trades are the appropriate and chosen post secondary path to a fulfilling life as a professional and community member–especially those who have been historically marginalized in the trades through race, ethnicity, or gender bias.
HFFI compensates apprenticing experiences with professional tradesperson mentors. Fellows work alongside
mentors in real work situations to deepen their interest, develop hands-on practical skills, and broaden the
professional network that will support them as they move through their professional lives. HFFI, CTE teachers, and
industry mentors come together to provide transformative experiences for Fellows and strengthen CTE programs to
develop a cohort of skilled, and committed youth entering the trades.
Harbor Freight Fellows
In the News
Stay up to date with the latest stories, articles, and blog posts about the trades.
2025 South Carolina Youth Skilled Trades Summit
We had our 3rd summit on March 13, 2025 in Greenville, SC
Learn More
Fellowship Information
Harbor Freight Full Fellowships
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High school seniors and older youth who are committed to pursuing a trade
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$500 scholarship to the youth for 60 hours of apprenticing with a tradesperson Mentor
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Stipends for trades-based Mentors and supporting staff members (Advisors) at participating organizations may be available
Harbor Freight Explorer Fellowships
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For youth who are exploring an interest in the trades - often but not necessarily younger students
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$250 scholarship to the youth for 30 hours of apprenticing with a trades person Mentor.
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Stipends for trades-based Mentors and supporting staff members (Advisors) at participating organizations may be available.
B-Unbound Enrollment
All Fellows must be enrolled in B Unbound where they can log hours and work done.
B-Unbound logging of hours will be necessary to be able to distribute scholarships and stipends.
The Harbor Freight Fellows Initiative has served hundreds of trades bound youth in over 75 schools and 14 states around the country. HFFI is developing partnerships with a wide range of educators and industries around the country. Fellows have successfully completed apprenticing experiences in almost 20 trades.
For more information please view the Partners tab.
Fellow Focus
Tiny
Micah "Tiny" Charles is a Harbor Freight Fellow, and outstanding student, athlete and leader at Barringer High School in Newark New Jersey. "Tiny" because Micah is 6'8' tall and wears a size 16 shoe! He loves carpentry and building and is set to pursue a career in the trades. He was raised in Trinidad, Tobago and only recently came to Barrainger about a year and a half ago, but has made his mark. Meet Harbor Freight Fellow Micah Charles!!
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