Today, the skill gap is bigger than it’s ever been. The price of college has soared faster than the cost of food, energy, real estate, and health care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than seven million jobs available across the country, the majority of which don’t require a four-year degree.

The Mike Rowe Foundation created the MRW Work Ethic Certification, a post-secondary curriculum that focuses on the 12 statements of the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge. Through this program, they break down the origin of each statement in 12 lessons and examine why they believe every student and worker can benefit from embracing this pledge, regardless of their job or skill set.

On the website for Mike Rowe Works It states that they are giving away $1,000,000 dollars for scholarships, and the application process is fairly easy. All you have to do is enroll into an approved program, sign the S.W.E.A.T pledge, answer questions about the pledge, have 2 references from a teacher or employer, provide highschool or college transcript, and submit the most recent 1040 tax form. The website also has a tab for you to search for jobs and apprenticeships.

The S.W.E.A.T pledge gives kids a chance to show how hard of a worker they are and the commitment they have to keep a job. Since 2008 the mike rowe works foundation has granted/helped grant over five million dollars in scholarships and other programs.

The S.W.E.A.T pledge means that skills and work ethic aren’t taboo. On the MRW website there are 12 videos that explain the 12 pillars of the pledge.