What We Do
We're reinvigorating the skilled trades in America by helping the next generation get the training they need for in-demand jobs and sharing their stories.
Apply for a Scholarship
This year, we’re awarding $10,000,000 in work ethic scholarships to people willing to learn a skilled trade. Instead of focusing on grades or traditional college pathways, we reward those who show strong work ethic, responsibility, and a positive attitude.
SUPPORT A State PR Campaign
For nearly two decades, we’ve championed the skilled trades—through the largest scholarship program in the country and consistent national advocacy that’s shifted how people think about work. But real change doesn’t happen nationally—it starts locally. And because no two states face the same workforce challenges, we’re launching a state-by-state PR campaign to reshape perceptions and spotlight real opportunity—starting in North Texas, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
The Problem
It’s not a lack of opportunity or a shortage of good jobs. It’s simpler than that: we’ve been lying to ourselves about what success looks like.
Over the last 40 years, America has convinced itself that the best path for the most people is an expensive, four-year degree. Pop culture has glorified the “corner office job” while unintentionally belittling the kind of work that built the corner office. As a result, we’ve devalued any other path to success, and an entire generation of people don’t understand the opportunities that exist.
AGE & WILL GAP
For every 5 workers retiring, only 2 people from the next generation are replacing them. 79% of parents push college, and only 6% encourage the trades. Stigmas and stereotypes discourage millions from exploring these opportunities.
CRUSHING COLLEGE DEBT
Student loan debt in the U.S. is ~$1.8 trillion. More than 40 million borrowers are paying off student loan debt, and many jobs don’t pay at a level that immediately justify that kind of debt.
SKILLS GAP
More than 7 million high-paying, AI-proof jobs that don’t require a four-year degree remain unfilled in the U.S.
NATIONAL SECURITY RISK
The skills gap threatens economic growth and national security, with many of these jobs hard to automate in national defense, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
Our Solution
Train the next generation of skilled workers and tell their stories.
Through the largest trade scholarship program in the country, we're investing in people by putting them on a path to essential work. And through targeted, state-by-state campaigns, we’re changing how Americans think about the jobs that keep our country running—and why they matter now more than ever.
Work isn’t the problem. How we talk about it is. We’re taking that message state by state—starting in Texas. Help us put skilled work back where it belongs.
Don't Take Our Word For It
Meet people we’ve helped who are doing the work and getting paid handsomely for it.
Our Impact
We’ve awarded electricians, linemen, carpenters, welders, steamfitters, pipefitters, plumbers, machinists, HVAC technicians, auto technicians, aviation technicians, and many more who prove that you don’t need a four-year degree to start an AI-proof, six-figure job.
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Year program started
$0M+
Scholarships Granted
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Recipients Awarded
$600-$25,000
Award Range
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Skilled Trades Supported