Glen Reed Skilled Trades Scholarship
Fund Type
Scholarship
Scholarship
Established
03/14/2026
03/14/2026
Purpose
To present scholarship awards to graduates of Pentwater High School (high school seniors and current college students) and adult learners living in Pentwater who are pursuing a degree or certification in skilled trades. Preference to students demonstrating financial need. This Fund may also support related expenses or efforts that directly enhance access to, preparation for, and success in skilled trades education for graduating seniors, college students and adult learners in Pentwater or employed by Pentwater organizations or businesses.
To present scholarship awards to graduates of Pentwater High School (high school seniors and current college students) and adult learners living in Pentwater who are pursuing a degree or certification in skilled trades. Preference to students demonstrating financial need. This Fund may also support related expenses or efforts that directly enhance access to, preparation for, and success in skilled trades education for graduating seniors, college students and adult learners in Pentwater or employed by Pentwater organizations or businesses.
Story
Glen Reed believed that learning does not look the same for everyone—and that working with your hands can be just as valuable as success in the classroom. Growing up in Pentwater, Glen struggled with traditional academics but thrived when learning practical skills. Curious about how things worked, he spent his life taking things apart, putting them back together, and building a strong future through hard work, determination, and the work ethic instilled by his mother after the loss of his father at a young age. Though he left school early, Glen later earned his high school diploma as an adult and went on to build a successful career as a mechanic with UPS, ultimately advancing into automotive management. A self‑taught “jack of all trades,” Glen found lasting fulfillment through skilled work, especially woodworking and automotive repair, and always believed that skilled trades deserved the same respect and support as academic pathways. Through an estate gift made to the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, and in partnership with the Oceana Community Foundation, the Glen Reed Skilled Trades Scholarship was established to honor Glen’s life and values. This scholarship supports graduating seniors or graduates of Pentwater High School and adult learners living and/or working in Pentwater who are pursuing education or certification in the skilled trades, with preference given to those demonstrating financial need. Through this partnership, Glen’s legacy lives on in his hometown—opening doors for future tradespeople to learn by doing, build meaningful careers, and find pride in work that keeps communities strong.
Glen Reed believed that learning does not look the same for everyone—and that working with your hands can be just as valuable as success in the classroom. Growing up in Pentwater, Glen struggled with traditional academics but thrived when learning practical skills. Curious about how things worked, he spent his life taking things apart, putting them back together, and building a strong future through hard work, determination, and the work ethic instilled by his mother after the loss of his father at a young age. Though he left school early, Glen later earned his high school diploma as an adult and went on to build a successful career as a mechanic with UPS, ultimately advancing into automotive management. A self‑taught “jack of all trades,” Glen found lasting fulfillment through skilled work, especially woodworking and automotive repair, and always believed that skilled trades deserved the same respect and support as academic pathways. Through an estate gift made to the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, and in partnership with the Oceana Community Foundation, the Glen Reed Skilled Trades Scholarship was established to honor Glen’s life and values. This scholarship supports graduating seniors or graduates of Pentwater High School and adult learners living and/or working in Pentwater who are pursuing education or certification in the skilled trades, with preference given to those demonstrating financial need. Through this partnership, Glen’s legacy lives on in his hometown—opening doors for future tradespeople to learn by doing, build meaningful careers, and find pride in work that keeps communities strong.