Celebrating the inaugural Trades on Track scholarship winners

Recipients receive a combined $100,000 toward continuing education

After months of reviewing applications, 20 recipients of Norfolk Southern's Trades on Track Scholarship have been selected, with each recipient earning $5,000 toward their education or training in a trade essential to rail operations.

The program, developed in partnership with the Skillpointe Foundation, supports students pursuing technical education that leads to careers in welding, electrical engineering, conducting, and other essential trade fields.

Why it matters

• Vocational school enrollment is up over 15% from pre-pandemic numbers and experiencing a second year of double-digit growth, according to the National Student Clearinghouse, and Trades on Track helps support that demand.
• The program creates economic mobility and connects people to stable, well-paying careers.

Winner spotlights

• Amanda Lang – Pittsburgh – Trade focus: Construction/electrical
• Sinaca Stinson – Birmingham, Alabama – Trade focus: Manufacturing/machinery
• John Santana – Chicago – Trade focus: Construction/electrical

The recipients of the inaugural year demonstrate passion and purpose needed to keep our communities and economy moving.

What they’re saying

“Trades on Track is about more than education funding — it’s about creating opportunity. These students represent the next generation of skilled professionals who will keep rail operations safe, efficient, and innovative,” said Kristin Wong, Director Norfolk Southern Foundation & Community Impact.

Amplifying impact: Through initiatives like Trades on Track, we’re investing in people and partnerships that help bridge the skills gap, strengthen local economies, and support the workforce shaping the future of transportation.

Applications for Trades on Track will re-open next spring. Read more about the Trades on Track scholarship program and our other efforts to support continuing education here.