NCCCO Foundation Crane Operator Training and Certification Scholarship

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Description

The Initial Crane Operator Training and Certification Scholarship provides up to $10,000 in financial support for individuals who want to get quality training that leads to first-time CCO certification as a crane operator. Scholarship requirements, deadlines, and the process are outlined below or a printable PDF is available here. Please note the paper application has now been replaced with an online process. Simply create an account and access the application form instantly.

 

Rules

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

  1. Applicant must be seeking assistance with attending and paying for initial quality training that culminates in one or more CCO crane operator certifications between August 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026; or have successfully completed initial quality training through a current CCO Education Services Accredited Training Provider (ATP) that culminated in one or more CCO crane operator certifications between April 1, 2026 and July 31, 2026.
  2. Applicant cannot have previously held any crane operator certifications.
  3. Applicant must demonstrate financial need.
  4. Applicant must participate in a short interview with the ATP they use for training prior to submitting the application.
  5. The training course the applicant plans to attend or attended must be started and completed within the dates of August 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026.
  6. Training provider the applicant uses/used must be a current CCO Education Services Accredited Training Provider (ATP) listed at https://www.ccoedu.org/accredited-training-provider-listing/ .

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all items listed below are emailed to the NCCCO Foundation and must be received no later than Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Please attach the following:

  1. Completed and signed Application Form.
  2. Course description, including Accredited Training Provider (ATP), type of certification(s) sought, location, and cost.
  3. Financial Need (250 word limit).
  4. Employment History.
  5. Essay Question (500 word limit).

AVAILABLE AWARDS DETAILS:

  1. Maximum scholarship of $10,000 per individual available.
  2. In the case of applications approved before the training course is started:
    • A maximum of $5,000 will be paid up front to a CCO Education Services Accredited Training Provider (ATP) to cover the crane operator training course, associated CCO certification exams, and allowed expenses for travel, lodging, and food during the period the training was taken.*
    • Upon proof of completion of course(s) and certification(s) from the training provider, a maximum of $5,000 additionally may be first paid to the ATP for any remaining associated tuition and fees related to the training course taken. If there are none or the remaining tuition and fees for the course were already paid by the individual than the individual may be directly reimbursed for out-of-pocket costs to cover fees and expenses related to the crane operator training course, CCO Certification exams, and allowed expenses for travel, lodging, and food during the period the training was taken that were not covered by the initial $5,000.* The crane operator scholarship cannot exceed a total of $10,000 per individual.  Those requesting reimbursement must submit written documentation and receipts to the NCCCO Foundation within 14 days of the completion of the training to be considered for reimbursement.
  3. In the case of applications approved after the training is started or completed:
    • A maximum of $10,000 will first be paid to the ATP for the associated tuition and fees related to the training course taken. If there are none or the tuition and fees for the course were already paid by the individual than the individual may be directly reimbursed for the associated tuition, fees, and expenses related to the crane operator training course, CCO Certification exams, and allowed expense for travel, lodging, and food during the period the training was taken.* The crane operator scholarship cannot exceed a total of $10,000 per individual. Those requesting reimbursement must submit written documentation and receipts to the NCCCO Foundation within 14 days of notification of the scholarship approval to be considered for reimbursement.
  4. Scholarship awards may be subject to state and federal taxes. Tax reporting and payment are the sole responsibility of the individual recipient.
  5. Scholarships are one-time awards and are not automatically renewed.
  6. Applications will be reviewed, and winners selected by the NCCCO Foundation Workforce Development Committee. They will consider the applicant’s interest in the crane industry, previous employment experience, and financial need. All applicants will be notified of their status after the Committee meeting approximately 21 days after the September 8, 2026 deadline.
  7. Some applicants may be subject to a personal interview with a representative of the NCCCO Foundation.
  8. Some recipients may be asked to provide information in order to promote the scholarship and crane industry.
  9. If selected, awardees must submit an acceptance form and agree to the terms of the scholarship before the scholarship is distributed.
  10. If any of the scholarship requirements are not met by the recipient then the scholarship may be revoked and the recipient will be responsible for all remaining fees due for training and certification.
  11. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EDT on September 8, 2026.

SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATION:

All applications, with supporting material, must be sent to the NCCCO Foundation via this web portal by 11:59 PM EDT on September 8, 2026.

*What are allowed expenses for travel, lodging, and food during the period of training are considered on a case-by-case basis and are at the sole discretion of the NCCCO Foundation, but typically include round-trip economy class domestic airfare, a per diem for meals and incidental expenses of $68 per day, and a per diem for lodging of $110 per night.

(CLICK FOR PRINTABLE PDF OF ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND REQUIREMENTS)