ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Local manufacturer Kennedy Valve in Elmira and WENY-TV partner to award two graduating high school students a scholarship to help pay their way as they pursue a career in the trade field. Recent high school graduates across the Twin Tiers applied for the Trade and Technical Scholarship, and applicants have to be enrolled in a trade or technical school for the upcoming 2023 fall semester.

"It started because of the manufacturing days [and] meeting students that are in BOCES and going through Vo-Tech (vocational technical) programs. [It was about] trying to help them understand that there are plenty of opportunities in the trade skills programs." said Nate Pizzini, general manager with Kennedy Valve

Devin Cornell from Elmira Heights will be attending Penn Tech for diesel equipment technologies and Jacob Ponticello is attending Alfred State for welding. Pizzini said college is typically pushed to high school seniors and it's important for students to know there are other options for them.

"Some students are [made] for going to traditional two-year and four-year programs. Some students, their passions lie more on the technical and trade skilled sides. We should support them going and furthering that development," said Pizzini.

Both Cornell and Ponticello received $1,000 towards their trade education. Kennedy Valve said training in the trades is important to help support a local labor workforce in the future.