The Nexstar Legacy Foundation recently recognized Theronda Bruce as the first award winner of the AC Pro – Troops to Trades scholarship.

Bruce has been a member of the U.S. Army National Guard since 2014. Her career goals are to graduate at the top of her class and find work at an excellent company that will help her support herself and her daughter. She believes her time in the service has given her dedication, discipline, determination, drive, a soldier’s mentality, and professionalism at all times.

The two remaining AC Pro – Troops to Trades scholarships are available to veterans, National Guard, or reserve members who are working on a certificate or degree that will lead to a career in the residential HVAC service industry.

“The shortage of skilled technicians for these industries is a huge concern. It’s imperative that we bring in new qualified technicians quickly, and these scholarships will help us do that,” said Renee Cardarelle, executive director of the Nexstar Legacy Foundation.

AC Pro created the program in 2015 with two $5,000 scholarships. The AC Pro Scholarship is an opportunity to give someone who shares the core values of AC Pro the chance to gain the skills needed to begin a rewarding career outside the uniform — not just for the scholarship recipient, but for his or her family, as well. It’s an opportunity for AC Pro to give back to someone who has given to our country. For AC Pro, this is personal.

To apply for the AC Pro – Troops to Trades scholarship or other training grants and scholarships available through the Troops to Trades program, visit www.troopstotrades.org.

Additional scholarships offered by the foundation include $8,000 in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical management scholarships; more than $100,000 in in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical technician scholarships; and $5,000 each via the A.O. Smith and Barnett technician in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical scholarships. Altogether, the foundation will be gifting more than $150,000 in scholarships. Visit www.nexstarfoundation.org to learn more.

Publication date: 4/18/2016 

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