Introduce Students to Careers in the Trades Through Career Connections Grant
Applications are now open for the Career Connections VI grant through the Skilled Labor Fund (SLF), managed by the National Housing Endowment (NHE).
The purpose of this funding is to support activities that introduce students to careers in residential skilled trades. These can include traditional "career fairs" where students meet prospective employers in a trade show type of format; presentations where industry educates students about career opportunities in residential skilled trades; industry participation in community or school organized career events; or any bona fide activity that promotes the trades to students or endeavors to make employment connections.
All local and state associations are encouraged to apply for funding up to $3,500 to support local career events. Any 2025 activity intended to introduce high school, middle school or elementary school students to careers in residential trades will be considered.
Deadline for applications is Jan. 15, 2025.
Latest from NAHBNow
Advocacy
Oct 02, 2026
Stay on Message: Access NAHBs Latest Housing Talking Points
The monthly update provides talking points to help members stay informed with clear and consistent messages on issues affecting the residential construction industry.
Fall Leadership Meeting
Oct 02, 2026
Watch Livestreams of Key Fall Leadership Meetings
NAHB leadership will gather Oct. 6-8 for the 2026 Fall Leadership Meeting in Detroit. Members and HBA staff not in attendance can view livestreams of the key meetings.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Oct 02, 2026
U.S. Economy Adds 29,000 Jobs in September as Prior Months Are Revised Down
The U.S. labor market cooled in September, with nonfarm payroll employment increasing by just 29,000 as downward revisions erased most of August’s previously reported strength. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.2%, as both employment and the labor force continued to grow.
Economics
Oct 01, 2026
Private Residential Construction Spending Posts Broad-Based Gains in August
Private residential construction spending rose in August 2026 following a series of declines during the second quarter of the year. According to the latest construction spending data from the U.S. Census Bureau, private residential construction spending came in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $882.3 billion in August, up 1.1% from July but down 4.8% from a year ago.
Economics
Oct 01, 2026
AI Exposure Remains Relatively Low Across Most Construction Occupations
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how work gets done, but its impact varies considerably across occupations. For most construction occupations, near-term exposure to AI remains relatively low.