In 1991, a partnership began between Oakland Schools and DENSO International to fund scholarships for students at Oakland Schools Technical Campuses. Since then, more than $440,000 has been awarded to OSTC students preparing for their next step.
Now rebranded as the Career Kickstart Award, this program helps OSTC seniors launch their future, whether that means college, trade school, or an apprenticeship. The award recognizes technical education students for their hard work, leadership, and career goals.
These awards can be used for tuition, equipment, or supplies. Scholarships range from $500-$2,500 and apply to the following school year.
Scholarships will be awarded in each of these program areas: Agriscience, Automotive, Construction/Energy, Engineering/Machining/Welding, Computer Programming/Cybersecurity/Advanced Marketing/Graphic Design, Health Sciences, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts/Hospitality and Criminal Justice.
2025/26 Application Information
The Oakland Schools Education Foundation proudly offers the Career Kickstart Award to help OSTC seniors move confidently into their future.
Application Deadline: Friday, February 6, 2026
Eligibility
To be considered for the Career Kickstart Award, students must:
- Be a senior student at one of the OSTC campuses.
- Intend to continue studies at a two- or four-year college/university, trade school, or apprenticeship program.
Apply Now!
Ready to turn your CTE experience into a real career path? Submit your application for the Career Kickstart Award and get funding for the equipment or continued education that will help you level up.
Application Instructions:
Important: Once you begin the online application, you must complete it in one sitting. Google Forms will not save your work. Use the Sample Application below to help you prepare before starting. (link to the words Sample Application)
Required Items
- Completed online application.
- Cumulative GPA for your OSTC courses only.
- Written or video response to the essay question. Upload this into your application.
- One Letter of Recommendation which MUST be from an individual that you have interacted with in your CTE studies such as an OSTC teacher or counselor, high school CTE teacher, work/work study employer, CTE club/activity team leader/mentor, etc.
Letters may be uploaded into your application or emailed directly to andrea.berry@osedfoundation.org.
Essay
You may submit your essay response as a video or written submission.
Video Submission:
Video submissions should be 1-2 minutes long (ideally around 90 seconds). No special editing is required – a smartphone video is perfect. Business attire is appropriate, such as something you would wear to a job interview or award program.
If you would prefer to have your video recorded by Oakland Schools at your campus, please sign up here.
Recording Dates:
1/13/26 OSTC-SW
1/23/26 OSTC-SE
1/26/26 OSTC-NW
1/27/26 OSTC-NE
Written Submission:
Written submissions should be a minimum of 500 words and submitted in a PDF or document format.
Selection Criteria
Scholarships will be awarded based on:
- Commitment to Career Technical Education (CTE)
- Academic achievement
- Career goals
- Letters of recommendation
- Application responses (written or video submission)
Schedule your Video Session
Need help filming your video submission? No problem – we’ve got you covered! Schedule a time for the Oakland Schools team to help you create your video submission.