Sponsorship opportunities now available for Trade Wars 2026

Published on Jan 12, 2026

Maysville Community and Technical College is inviting local businesses and organizations to sponsor Trade Wars 2026, a highly anticipated event that showcases the skills, innovation, and competitive spirit of students in skilled trades. 

Trade Wars 2026 will feature live competitions in various trades, including nursing, welding, automotive technology, and more. Students from regional high schools will compete head-to-head, demonstrating their technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. 

"At MCTC, we believe that the strength of our commonwealth lies in the hands of those who build, heal, and innovate. Trade Wars provides a premier stage for the best and brightest of today’s students—the backbone of tomorrow’s workforce—to demonstrate their mastery of high-growth, high-wage careers,” said Jason Slone, chairman of the MCTC Board of Directors.

Free to all service area schools that wish to participate and attend, the event offers more than just competition. It provides opportunities for local businesses, organizations, and community members to connect with potential future employees. 

Additionally, participants can demonstrate their commitment to developing the next generation of skilled workers while seeing firsthand the growing demand for skilled trade professionals. 

“Trade Wars allows more than 600 high school students to experience hands-on programming and showcase their talents in real-world competitions, but none of this happens without donor support,” said Natalee Brown, director of recruitment and event coordinator for Trade Wars.

Without the generous contributions from business and industry partners and the devotion contributed by MCTC staff and faculty, Trade Wars would not be the event it is today. 

“We are calling on additional industry partners to step forward now so we can continue to provide high school students with the incredible experience that Trade Wars affords,” Brown remarked. “Your gift today directly fuels the workforce of tomorrow. An investment today powers hands-on learning and builds tomorrow’s skilled workforce.”

This perspective was shared by Slone.

“This transformative experience is only possible through the vision and generosity of our industry partners. By sponsoring Trade Wars, you aren't just putting your brand in front of hundreds of future employees; you are directly investing in the talent pipeline that will sustain your business and our regional economy for decades to come. Join us in championing these students and securing the future of our workforce,” he said.

There are four categories that sponsors can choose from. These include bronze ($500), silver ($750), gold ($1,000), and platinum ($4000). The benefits of each sponsorship are listed below. 

Bronze Sponsors: Company logo on bronze sponsor group signage, recognition in printed materials, recognition on MCTC website and social media, booth space reserved. 

Silver Sponsors: Company logo on silver sponsor group signage, recognition in printed materials, recognition on MCTC website and social media, both space reserved. 

Gold Sponsors: Bronze & Silver perks, medium logo on Trade Wars t-shirt, logo displayed on campus TVs. 

Platinum Sponsors: Bronze & Silver perks, large logo on Trade Wars t-shirt, recognition as title sponsor, recognition as lunch sponsor, logo displayed on campus TVs, premium booth space reserved.

Gifts, such as prizes and materials, also count toward the above sponsorship levels.

To sponsor this unique event, please contact Cara Clarke at cara.clarke@kctcs.edu.

For more information on Trade Wars, 2026, please contact Natalee Brown at natalee.brown@kctcs.edu.