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.
Latest from NAHBNow
Trends
Jan 21, 2026
Single-Family Home Size Continues to DeclineThe market could see a leveling off of home size trends in 2026 as mortgage interest rates approach 6% on a sustained basis.
Workforce Development
Jan 20, 2026
Plan Early for Summer Internship Season with NAHB ResourcesThe most effective internship programs don’t come together at the last minute. To help, NAHB offers the Internship Program Development Guide and Appendices to the Internship Program Development Guide.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Jan 21, 2026
Private Residential Construction Spending Edges Higher in October on Home ImprovementsPrivate residential construction spending was up 1.3% in October, rebounding from a 1.4% decline in September 2025. This modest gain was primarily driven by increased spending on home improvements.
Economics
Jan 21, 2026
Single-Family Permits Cooled in the FallIn October, single-family building permits weakened, reflecting continued caution among builders amid affordability constraints and financing challenges. In contrast, multifamily permit activity remained steady and continued to perform relatively well.
Economics
Jan 20, 2026
New Single-Family Home Size Trends: Third Quarter 2025New single-family home size has been generally falling since 2015 as a response to declining affordability conditions. An exception occurred when new home size increased in 2021 as interest rates reached historic lows. However, as interest rates increased in 2022 and 2023, and housing affordability worsened, the demand for home size has trended lower.