The Lowe’s Foundation recently announced nearly $8 million in grants to community and technical colleges throughout the U.S. to support skilled trades workforce development initiatives through its first round of Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants, according to PR Newswire. The grants are the first in a five-year, $50 million commitment to help prepare 50,000 people for skilled trades careers and will fund programs in appliance repair, carpentry, construction, electrical, HVAC and plumbing.
Some community and technical colleges receiving 2023 Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants include:
- Coconino County Community College in Arizona, which will expand its skilled trades training programs in construction, HVAC, plumbing and electrical. The school plans to remodel its workshop to create more lab space for students; upgrade equipment, computers and software; and hire additional instructors.
- Columbus Technical College in Georgia, which will expand its reach with a new mobile unit to bring skilled trades training opportunities to students in rural communities, justice-involved learners and transitioning service members. The college also plans to build a four-week fast-track “Construction Career Launch Program” bootcamp to prepare participants for entry-level skilled trades positions.
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College will establish a construction trades training program for learners at a local correctional facility and provide scholarships and internships for students in its skilled trades training programs.
In addition, the Lowe’s Foundation will invest at least $5 million more to assist community-based nonprofit organizations and national nonprofit partners with a strong local presence.
Eligible community-based nonprofits that offer skilled trades training can submit Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant applications between Aug. 1 and Sept. 1 at Lowes.com/Foundation.
