Tools of the Trade
A NMEAF Opportunity
Invest in Yourself.
Invest in Your Future.
Tools of the Trade is a student-centered program designed to support individuals pursuing careers in the skilled trades. We offer affordable lines of credit (LOC) at a 5% interest rate to help students 18 and older cover essential trade school costs — including tools, equipment, transportation, and other school-related expenses. This initiative is more than just financial aid — it’s a pathway to opportunity and financial literacy.
Whether you’re studying automotive technology, welding, construction, electrical work, or other hands-on careers, we’re here to support your journey from day one.
Why the Trades Matter
We believe that every student deserves the chance to build a successful future — and that includes the trades. Skilled trades are the backbone of our economy, and demand for these roles is growing rapidly due to workforce retirements and economic expansion.
Pursuing a trade isn’t just an alternative — it’s a smart, strategic career choice that combines real-world experience, lower debt, and faster entry into the workforce. Tools of the Trade helps students start strong, stay focused, and succeed with confidence.
Empower the Future of the Trades
Help students build careers — one tool at a time.
As a New Mexico-based not-for-profit organization, we are deeply committed to empowering students right here in our own communities. Our mission is to ensure financial access to post-secondary opportunities for all New Mexicans. By creating meaningful opportunities for New Mexicans pursuing careers in the skilled trades, we are investing in New Mexico’s future workforce.
The Tools of the Trade program is exclusively available to students across the state of New Mexico who are 18 or older and have earned a high school diploma or high school equivalency (HSE), previously known as the GED. By focusing locally, we aim to strengthen our economy, uplift individuals, and help build the talent needed to support our state’s essential industries.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or taking the next step in your career, we’re here to help you hit the ground running. The Tools of the Trade program provides financial support to cover the cost of essential tools, personal protective gear (PPE), and equipment — so you can focus on learning your craft, not worrying about expenses.
Choosing a career in the trades is a powerful decision — one that offers purpose, stability, and pride in a job well done. But we know the journey isn’t always easy, especially when the cost of tools, equipment, protective gear, books, and transportation maintenance, adds up quickly.
Whether you’re just starting out or training for a new chapter, we’re here to help you get and job-ready and complete your program by reimbursing the cost of expenses via a line of credit. We believe that financial barriers should never stand in the way of your future — and with the right support, you can take your next step with confidence.
This program is offered in partnership with US Eagle Federal Credit Union and the New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation (NMEAF) to support New Mexicans pursuing careers in the trades.
For More Information: 📞 (505) 761-2007 ✉️ toolsofthetrade@NMEAF.org