Brooke Higa – Collin County Community College, Applied Science in Welding 

SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT

-    Lone Star District: $750
-    PMA Educational Foundation: $375
-    Total: $1,125

Brooke is a dedicated welding student at Collin College, pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in welding. As a first-generation college student, she made the decision to return to school in fall 2023 to invest in her future while also providing for her young daughter. She expects to graduate in fall 2025. 

Brooke’s passion for welding has guided her through numerous challenges and has been strengthened by the hands-on learning, leadership roles and competitions her education has made possible. She is an active member of the Collin College Student Government Association, serving on the community service, events and awards committees. Brooke also represents the SkillsUSA club and her college’s Nationals Fab Team in Georgia. She is preparing to compete again in Corpus Christi in 2025. 

In addition to her academic work, Brooke has built her own business as a 1099 contractor, managing multiple social media platforms and hosting a podcast titled Kanaka of All Trades. Through the podcast, she interviews professionals from across industries, sharing insights and stories of perseverance. Her interest in the welding industry has led her to attend major events such as FABTECH, SEMA and AIMExpo. She has also visited facilities including the Vern Lewis Welding Lab in Arizona and the Fronius Open House in Riverside, California, and completed a non-destructive testing certification course at The Ocean Corp. in Houston. 

Brooke plans to continue her welding career after graduation. Her long-term goal is to launch a nonprofit organization that supports first-year college students facing personal or financial hardships. Inspired by the stories she hears on her podcast and the support she has received through scholarships, Brooke is committed to creating opportunities for others to succeed in their own educational and career journeys.