When Collin Smith passed away, his family faced a choice: allow loss to define their future or create something meaningful that could impact others for generations to come. 

In this episode of WP Cares, Charles Smith shares the story of his son, Collin, whose passion for welding, community, and finding purpose inspired the creation of the Collin E. Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund. Through scholarships, mentorship, and life coaching, the organization helps students pursuing trades education gain not only financial support, but also the encouragement and guidance needed to build successful futures. 

Charles discusses the importance of helping young people find purpose, the growing value of skilled trades, and why mentorship can be just as impactful as financial assistance. He also shares how faith, family, fitness, and finance serve as the foundation for the program’s approach to developing future leaders and trades professionals. 

Whether you’re a parent, educator, mentor, or someone looking to make a difference in your community, this conversation offers powerful insights on resilience, legacy, and the life-changing impact of investing in others.