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The Home Depot Foundation recently announced a $10 million investment in expanding access to skilled trades training and education, including a new $1 million partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BCGA). The partnership is designed to introduce more young people to career opportunities in the construction trades.
“The skilled trades offer some of the most promising career paths, yet many young people either aren’t aware of or lack access to these opportunities,” says Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. “This investment in our Path to Pro nonprofit partners–including our new partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America–empowers students to hone these new skills while also strengthening the future of the construction industry.”
Through the Foundation’s Path to Pro program, a program focused on filling the skilled labor gap, a two-year pilot will be launched in Boys & Girls Clubs across Atlanta, Georgia; Phoenix, Arizona; and Houston, Texas. Club members will learn skills in carpentry, electrical, HVAC and plumbing. Members will also have opportunities to apply their new skills by working with Team Depot, The Home Depot’s associate volunteer group, on community-based projects.
“At Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we’re committed to helping young people explore meaningful opportunities that set them up for success,” says Jennifer Bateman, senior vice president of youth development at Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “This partnership with The Home Depot Foundation opens doors to skilled trades careers, empowering thousands of youth to discover their potential and build great futures.”
The Foundation’s investment will also expand programming with its existing partners and fund new grants to support students and families entering or enrolled in accredited trade schools.
