Funding Available to Support HBA Workforce Development Programs

The National Housing Endowment (NHE) has set a bold goal for 2022 – to introduce 10,000 young people to career opportunities in the residential skilled trades.

To help meet this challenge, state and local home builders associations are encouraged to apply for the Career Connections grant program, funded by the Skilled Labor Fund and managed by the NHE.

The purpose of this funding is to support activities that introduce students to careers in residential skilled trades, including:

• Traditional “career fairs” where students meet prospective employers in a trade show format
• Presentations where industry professionals educate students about the career opportunities in residential skilled trades
• Industry participation in community or school organized career events
• Any bona fide activity that promotes the trades to students or endeavors to make employment connections

Grants up to $2,500 will be awarded by the Fund. The committee will consider each application and will award funds based upon merit and funding availability. Allocation of funds is determined by a committee representing the SLF, NHE, NAHB and any direction provided by contributors.

Applications are due Feb. 16, 2022, for career events taking place by Nov. 18, 2022. Grant recipients will be announced in March 2022. Contact Mark Pursell, NHE President & CEO, with any questions.