We are proud to share that one of our students, Owen Stephens, was recently awarded a 2025 Work Ethic Scholarship totaling $7,000 from the mikeroweWORKS Foundation. Owen is enrolled in the SEU Trades program and is in the process of earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Technician Services. He is a student at SEU Puyallup, our partner site at Motion Church in Washington.
Owen is one of 526 award recipients nationwide and will receive the funds for the 2025–26 academic year. The Work Ethic Scholarship program is designed to help people get trained for skilled jobs that are in high demand. It’s awarded annually to individuals enrolled in an approved trade program at an accredited two-year college or vocational/technical school.
“We are incredibly proud of Owen for being awarded this prestigious Work Ethic Scholarship,” said Executive Director of SEU Trades Glenn Barnard. “To be selected from so many applications is a tribute to his dedication and commitment to excellence and reflects the very heart of the SEU Trades program.”
Qualifying Criteria
Award recipients are selected based on the quality of their submitted application materials which include short answer questions, video submissions, and references from teachers or employers. They must also demonstrate a financial need and sign the mikeroweWORKS Foundation’s S.W.E.A.T. Pledge — a collection of beliefs that outlines the importance of work ethic, personal responsibility, delayed gratification, and a positive attitude.
As a part of this process, Owen answered several questions attesting to his work ethic and values, why he’s pursuing a trade, his career plans, and future goals. He was also required to create his own statement to add to the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge and describe how it’s been crucial throughout his life. He chose to emphasize, “Showing up matters.”
“Winning this scholarship is confirmation that I am right where God wants me and headed toward where He wants me to be. I greatly appreciate everyone who prayed for me and helped me achieve this — especially the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, SEU staff, my family, and my boss and managers,” said Owen.
Putting in the Work
Owen is currently in the second year of his electrical technician program. In addition to his studies, he also works part time as a tire technician and is completing an internship with Motion Church. With his degree, he plans to become an electrician and eventually run his own business.
“Owen’s dedication and strong work ethic have been evident through his academic excellence in SEU Trades and his participation in the internship at our church, all while staying committed to working 20 hours a week. I’m very grateful that his hard work was recognized with the Work Ethic Scholarship. He truly earned it, and I couldn’t be prouder,” said Amy Stephens, Owen’s mother.
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