Construction Careers Foundation Receives Stanley Black & Decker Makers Grant

The Construction Careers Foundation, a Twin Cities-based nonprofit that provides construction-focused programming and resources to Minnesota students and educators has been named a Stanley Black & Decker Global Impact Challenge Makers Grant recipient.

“This accolade is no small feat. Your organization exceeded expectations, and though the selection process was competitive, we were impressed by your commitment to helping close the trade skills gap,” said Stanley Black & Decker Director of Social Impact Karen Price-Ward.

The Empower Makers Global Impact challenge launched in 2021 and awards up to $25 million in grant funding over five years to non-profits that are supporting trade workforce development initiatives with the goal of skilling and reskilling up to 3 million makers.

“Our vital trade skills programs are created for young people – the future of our construction workforce,” said Construction Career Foundation Associate Director Mary Stuart. “We are reaching the next generation in their current classrooms. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts guides us as we welcome to women, displaced workers, underrepresented, people of color, and LGBTQ+ community into Minnesota’s construction trades.”

A Global Worker Shortage

With an estimated half a million open construction jobs in 2023 and 10 million unfilled manufacturing jobs globally, Stanley Black & Decker has made vocational skills training a priority through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) mission. A major component of the company’s CSR strategy includes a goal to empower 10 million makers by the year 2030.

“Our programming is building the future construction workforce and closing the skills gap,” said Construction Career Foundation Associate Director Mary Stuart. “To be among 91 organizations selected for our efforts to help close the trade skills gap is such an honor.”

Over five years, the Global Impact Challenge will continue to support the Construction Careers Foundation and organizations like it.

“Thank you for supporting our mission at Construction Careers Foundation and joining us as we empower Minnesota youth and future tradespersons,” Stuart said.

If you have additional questions about Construction Career Foundation programming or careers in Minnesota’s construction industry contact Construction Career Foundation Program Manager Lindsay Tallman, at lindsey@constructioncareers.org.