“These worthwhile schools are driving the transformation of the skilled trade workforce through sustainable and inclusive career paths. These grants have had many outstanding applicants and this is a national It speaks to the urgency of increasing the capabilities of our skilled workforce,” said Janice Dupré, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Lowe’s and Chair of the Board of Lowe’s Foundation. “Our grants will help 50,000 people develop skilled trade careers over five years, including groups traditionally underrepresented in the industry, including women, people of color, and people from rural areas. All groups are included to ensure that the overall goal of being prepared is met.” Individuals participating in the Second Chance Program. We are confident that these university programs will enhance our skilled trade infrastructure for years to come. ”

2023 Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants for Community Colleges and Colleges include:

• Southside Virginia Community College will renovate a lab in South Hill to provide training space and technical equipment for students to find employment as electrical and HVAC technicians. The university, which has seven locations covering her 4,200 square miles of Virginia, will use the grant to double her student enrollment and hire full-time faculty.

• Coconino County Community College (Arizona) will expand skilled technician training programs in construction, HVAC, plumbing and electrical. The school plans to refurbish its workshops to create more lab space for students, upgrade equipment, computers and software, and hire additional instructors. Coconino is the second-largest county in the United States and the only agency that provides skilled trade training in the county, which serves portions of Navajo and Hopi lands.

• Columbus Institute of Technology (Georgia) expands reach with new mobile units to provide skilled vocational training opportunities for rural students, law enforcement learners, and military personnel in transition. The university also plans to build a four-week intensive “Construction Career Launch Program” bootcamp to prepare participants for entry-level skilled jobs.

• Howard University – San Angelo, TX to build a new center for a pre-apprentice electrical program and a soon-to-be-developed plumbing program. This will be the only plumbing program offered by the University of West Texas. This will enable the university to serve more students and help meet the demand for skilled professions in the community.

• Ivy Tech Community College (Indiana) has developed a short-term HVAC skills training pilot program for entry-level technicians, providing a unique training opportunity for law enforcement personnel. Ivy Tech plans to increase the number of her HVAC graduates looking to enter the construction industry across his seven campuses. Ivy Tech works closely with local employers and communities to identify the greatest needs, tailor programs to meet local labor demands, and provide lasting career opportunities for students.

• Madisonville Community College (Kentucky) built a credentialing system between its electrical engineering and HVAC programs, allowing rural students across five counties to complete the combined program in five to six semesters instead of eight. will do so.

• Miami-Dade College (Florida) will launch new programs in construction, HVAC and electrical through the Institute of Construction Trade. Miami-Dade College is one of the largest and most diverse educational institutions in the United States, with over 120,000 students.

• MiraCosta University (California) will develop two HVAC and Electrician certification programs with state-of-the-art equipment and supplies. These programs aim to provide equitable access to first-generation college students and those who are unduly affected through student support services such as tuition waivers and transportation and childcare subsidies. .

• Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (Mississippi) establishes a construction trades training program for learners in local correctional institutions and provides scholarships and internships for skilled trades program students. As the only community college serving her four county areas in the state, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College works closely with local small businesses to help graduates find employment.

• Palm Beach State University (Florida) expands its Construction Trade Center for Workforce Innovation to provide simulated training that creates a “real world” experience for students entering the trade workforce. Designated as a Hispanic educational institution since 2015, the university offers Smart His home and office suites that serve as working labs for students to learn trade and installation practices.

Walter G. Banfuss, President and CEO, said, “The Loews Foundation’s Gable Grants support for community and technical colleges will help drive innovation and responsiveness in community colleges across the country. , we will be able to expand our provision of high-demand skilled training.” Association of American Community Colleges. “This unique program enables community colleges to expand existing programs, upgrade technology and infrastructure, establish new initiatives, and increase their impact in striving to meet the needs of their communities. .”

In addition to these grants, the Loews Foundation will also invest at least $5 million to support community-based nonprofits with a strong local presence and national nonprofit partners. This sets the stage for her $12 million+ investment in 2023 as part of her five-year $50 million effort.

Eligible community-based nonprofit organizations that provide skilled vocational training may submit Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant applications between August 1 and September 1, 2023 to: Lowes.com/Foundation.