Howard Johnson Memorial Scholarship
Howard Johnson was born, raised, and lived his entire life in Klamath Falls, OR. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping and hunting. He also had a passion for, and was very skilled at, construction and carpentry. He worked for many years at Modoc Lumber, Cell Tech, and owned his own small construction company for a time. He had a huge heart and would help anyone in need. He often spoke of how important carpentry and skilled trades programs are, and he would be proud to be the namesake of this skilled trades program scholarship.
KCC's HVAC apprenticeship student receives first Howard Johnson Memorial Scholarship
Klamath Community College student Gavin Knutson is paving the way as the first recipient of the Howard Johnson Memorial Scholarship. Gavin is in his first year as an HVAC apprentice, combining classroom instruction at KCC with hands-on experience at Seasons Change Heating and Cooling in Klamath Falls.
He received the scholarship to support his APR 110: Introduction to Skilled Trades class.
“I’ve always liked working with my hands and was interested in HVAC or electrical,” said Knutson, a graduate of Henley High School.
“What I enjoy most about HVAC is that it requires knowledge of nearly all the trades—electrical, plumbing, sheet metal work.”
“I want to thank the Howard Johnson Memorial Scholarship and the KCC Foundation. This support has allowed me to focus on my studies without worrying about tuition, books, and materials.”
Gavin’s apprenticeship will last four years. Upon completion, he will earn his state license and achieve journeyman status, opening doors for living wage employment.
The Howard Johnson Memorial Scholarship was created to help recent high school graduates pursue skilled trades and technical careers. Gavin’s success marks an exciting milestone for this program.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Howard Johnson Memorial Scholarship you must:
- Be a resident of the Klamath Basin
- Show financial need
- Be enrolled in a non-credit constructions trade related or apprenticeship program:
- Basics Construction Skills (NCCER)
- Carpentry 1 (NCCER)
- Electrician (Registered Apprenticeship)
- HVAC (Registered Apprenticeship)
- Plumber (Registered Apprenticeship)
- Millwright (Registered Apprenticeship)
- Carpentry (Registered Apprenticeship)
- Cement Mason (Registered Apprenticeship)
- Dry Wall Finisher (Registered Apprenticeship)
- Painter (Registered Apprenticeship)
- Interior/Exterior Specialist (Registered Apprenticeship)
- If interested contact the Apprenticeship office for an application, www.klamathcc.edu/apprenticeship
Local graduating high school students will be given priority. If no high school graduate applies, or meets the scholarship criteria, scholarship monies will be awarded to an eligible non-high school graduate.
Scholarship Amount
Amount Varies
How to Apply
Go to: www.klamathcc.edu/apprenticeship
Scholarship committee members will determine applicant eligibility.
Previous Recipients
2024
First award will be September 2024
Donate Here
Donate to the Howard Johnson Memorial Scholarship fund and help us continue to support local students interested in the KCC Apprenticeship Program. Please enter "Howard Johnson" in the Additional Comments Section.