In March, the Lowe’s Foundation made a major commitment to close the skilled trades workforce gap.
Five months and hundreds of applications later, the Foundation is proud to bring this commitment to life through the careful selection of its first-ever Gable Grants recipients. These recipients are represented by some of the nation’s most innovative community and technical colleges and will receive nearly $8 million to fund their skilled trades training programs.
This puts the Foundation on track to reach its larger $50 million investment over the next five years to prepare 50,000 individuals for careers in the skilled trades. This summer, the Foundation called each community college to share the good news.
“These deserving schools are driving transformation in the skilled trades workforce through sustainable and inclusive career pathways. We had many outstanding applicants for these grants, which speaks to the urgency needed to increase the capacity for skilled trades labor nationwide. Our grants are inclusive of all groups to ensure we achieve the overall goal of preparing 50,000 people for skilled trades careers in five years, including groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the trades, such as women, people of color, people in rural areas and individuals participating in second-chance programs. We are confident that these college programs will strengthen the skilled trades infrastructure for years to come,”
“The support for community and technical colleges provided by Gable Grants from the Lowe’s Foundation will enable the expansion of the innovative, responsive and in-demand skilled trades training offerings at the nation’s community colleges,” said Walter G. Bumphus, president and CEO, American Association of Community Colleges. “This unique program will empower community colleges to scale existing programs, upgrade technology and infrastructure, establish new initiatives and increase their impact as they strive to meet the needs of their communities.”
The next Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants application cycle opens on Aug. 1 and runs through Sept. 1, 2023 for eligible community-based nonprofit organizations that offer skilled trades training. To learn more, visit Lowes.com/Foundation and follow on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
