From Conifer High School to the Field: A Career Fueled by Opportunity

​

Trace Avery grew up with a passion for working on engines, spending time outdoors, and getting his hands dirty. He has turned that passion into a rewarding career in the power generation industry. With support from Bootstraps, he now works in a profession he loves without incurring debt from high-interest student loans.

​

Growing up, he was always drawn to the outdoors and mechanics. He played soccer and wrestled at Conifer High School, and spent much of his free time dirt biking, camping, and working on cars and trucks. His interest in mechanics was also influenced by his father, who worked as a diesel mechanic for Wagner Equipment before starting his own heavy equipment repair business when Trace was 12 years old. Any opportunity to work alongside his dad was a chance to learn and build skills that would eventually shape his future.

​

After graduating from Conifer High School, he headed to WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming, where he pursued his dream of becoming a diesel mechanic. Excited about the independence of living on his own and eager to begin his career, he completed his technical training in just nine months.

​

Trace received scholarships and interest-free loans from Bootstraps in June 2024, which made that next step possible. The financial support allowed him to avoid taking out high-interest federal student loans and, just as importantly, gave him the freedom to focus entirely on his education rather than balancing school with a job.

​

"With loans and scholarships I received from Bootstraps, I was able to not have to pull loans through FAFSA that have high interest rates to help me pay for my schooling. The loans and scholarships also gave me the ability to not have to work during school so I was able to focus all my efforts on my schooling."

​

Today, he has turned his education into the career he envisioned. He works as a Field Technician for Wyoming Machinery, where he services large diesel and natural gas generators in the power generation industry. The position brings together his technical training, hands-on experience, and long-standing interest in heavy equipment.

​

Outside of work, he continues to enjoy the activities that have always been part of his life, including dirt biking and camping. He also comes from a family that understands the value of education and community support. His two sisters, an older sister and a twin sister, have also received Bootstraps scholarships, making the organization's impact a meaningful part of his family's story.

​

Reflecting on his journey, he recognizes just how significant that support has been. Without Bootstraps, he says, he would not have been able to afford technical school.

​

His story is a powerful reminder that higher education doesn't always follow a traditional four-year college path. Technical training, skilled trades, and career-focused education open doors to meaningful, in-demand careers. For this Conifer graduate, a nine-month program, a lifelong passion for mechanics, and the generosity of the Bootstraps community helped turn a dream into a career.

​

As he puts it, "I am very thankful for how supportive and giving Bootstraps has been."