Handyman Matters Introduces National Scholarship

Lakewood, CO, February 27, 2009 --(PR.com)-- For the past 11 years, Handyman Matters has been committed to helping others in need and Rick Atkins – a Handyman Matters owner servicing the Lexington and Louisville, Ky., areas – is no exception. This year, Atkins and Handyman Matters are introducing the R.C. Atkins/Handyman Matters Trade Scholarship to award scholarships to deserving candidates across the country who are committed to learning and practicing a skilled trade as a career objective.

The R.C. Atkins/Handyman Matters Trade Scholarship was inspired by Atkins’ son, Richard “R.C.” Atkins, a skilled arborist who worked in the maintenance and management of trees for 10 years – a detail that played an integral role in Atkins’ decision to create a scholarship in R.C.’s honor (he passed away in 2006). According to Atkins, the purpose of the scholarship is to promote and encourage education and/or formal training programs that are generally applicable to the skilled trades in the building, home improvement and construction industries by providing financial assistance to students currently enrolled in or verifiably committed to an accredited program.

“R.C.’s enthusiasm, inspiration, dedication and passion for his work should serve as an example for others considering a career in the skilled trades,” said Atkins. “I feel our youth are often steered away from these types of careers but these are jobs that will always be needed so I wholeheartedly encourage anyone interested to pursue these avenues and this scholarship.”

Scholarships amounts based on applicants’ financial requirements and funding available will be awarded to the candidate(s) who is/are chosen by the Selection Committee based on the information obtained in the application process. To apply for the scholarship, candidates should visit www.handymanmatters.com or contact the R.C. Atkins/Handyman Matters Memorial Foundation, Inc. at 866-548-4343 and by mail at 550 Oak Dr., Lancaster, KY 40444. Proof of registration and/or commitment to an accredited trade school, a 300- to 500-word autobiographical essay discussing relevant experiences and how receiving the scholarship would help them reach their life and career goals, and no less than two letters of reference from professionals who have had some influence on the candidate’s decision to enter their chosen field of study must be submitted when course work either has begun or is scheduled to begin within 12 months of the scholarship application; applications will be reviewed by the selection committee and candidates selected to receive the scholarship will be contacted on or before April 1st of each year, depending on application date.

The R.C. Atkins/Handyman Matters Trade Scholarship follows Handyman Matters’ commitment to community outreach: The organization recently donated hotel rooms during its annual convention to families in transitional housing and every Handyman Matters franchise owner is expected to contribute six hours of charitable time each month.

“It’s very exciting to be a part of this wonderful program,” said Handyman Matters founder and Chief Executive Officer Andy Bell. “We’re always looking for worthy causes to align ourselves with and can’t wait to see the impact the R.C. Atkins/Handyman Matters Trade Scholarship will have on the lives of its very deserving recipients.”

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