In partnership with SkillsUSA, Fine Homebuilding has raised $70,000 to fund scholarships for students in construction-related fields for the 2018-2019 academic year. That’s up from the $25,000 awarded last year.
Through the #KeepCraftAlive initiative, 28 scholarships will be awarded in 2018. Each $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to students showing passion for their craft and planning to pursue continued education including community college, undergraduate programs, and industry certifications.
The scholarship winners will be chosen on a basis of completion of an application, along with a 300-word essay and a letter of support from a teacher, administrator, SkillsUSA advisor, or educational/professional mentor. Winners will be acknowledged at a special reception on Thursday, June 28, 2018, during the 54th Annual National Leadership and Skills Conference, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY.
In creating these scholarships, Fine Homebuilding’s focus is on the economics of the construction industry. The disparity between the employment demands of a growing housing industry and a shortage of trained qualified labor – the skills gap – is rocking home building to its core.
“I have always appreciated and respected the work and contributions of SkillsUSA. It has been a long-standing goal of mine to be able to help in their efforts, so we are thrilled to be able to establish this scholarship in partnership with them,” said Fine Homebuilding’s editorial director, Rob Yagid. “This is important work, and Fine Homebuilding is committed to doing all that we can to support and celebrate those who are passionate about pursuing careers in the skilled trades.”
Publisher Renee Jordan adds, “it is such a fulfilling experience to be able to impact the lives of students who want to pursue a career in the trades and to bring financial support to help close the skills gap in the construction industry. We are grateful for the support and dedication of our industry partners, who have stepped up to demonstrate their commitment to this issue as well.” #KeepCraftAlive- Fine Homebuilding scholarship funders include CertainTeed, the official charter partner, plus Benjamin Moore, Rinnai, Pella and Diamondback Toolbelts.
“This amazing sponsorship from Fine Homebuilding Magazine will support and recognize America’s future skilled workforce in the construction trades,” said SkillsUSA’s executive director, Tim Lawrence. “This program will help deserving students to continue their education within the field. SkillsUSA is a talent pipeline and a verified skills gap solution. Every year 100,000 SkillsUSA students complete their technical program, job-ready on Day One.”
