Television host Mike Rowe saw it all on the set of Dirty Jobs. The Discovery Channel reality series brought audiences into the worlds of some of the most physically taxing and messy trade roles. It explored the daily routines of sewer inspectors; the grimy yet essential work of septic tank technicians; and the grim conditions within custom meat-processing facilities.

Around the time he was hosting the show, Rowe launched the MikeroweWORKS Foundation, an organization dedicated to reemphasizing the value of skilled trades as an alternative to the traditional four-year degree. Through the foundation, he awards scholarships to people pursuing careers in the trades.

This year, Rowe is doubling the award size from last year to $10 million, as he said interest in the program is higher than ever. The 64-year-old said he's received 10 times as many applications as he usually does since the foundation's launch in 2008. Still, Rowe said, it will take a massive effort to shift the national perception of trade roles, especially as AI places white-collar work on the chopping block.