Tremco Construction Products Group announced last Friday that its Tremco Rising Stars Program has officially transitioned to 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

In a news release, Tremco said the change will allow the Rising Stars Program to “significantly expand its reach, enhance its offerings and secure additional funding to further its mission of empowering underrepresented youth with career opportunities in the construction industry.”

As part of the transition, Rising Stars will establish a board of directors comprising internal leaders and external industry experts to ensure the program remains aligned with its core mission. Founding director David Hutchinson will now serve as executive director of the program, continuing to champion its vision of inspiring a new generation to pursue careers in construction.

“Becoming a nonprofit allows Rising Stars to access greater funding opportunities, enabling us to expand our locations and provide even more impactful programming,” Hutchinson says. 

“This transition solidifies Rising Stars as a permanent fixture in the construction industry, ensuring we continue to deliver meaningful pathways to success for young people nationwide,” he added.

Tremco says Rising Stars is poised for significant growth with the additional funding and resources afforded by its nonprofit status. 

Two new locations are anticipated to launch this year, one in Brockton, Mass., outside Boston. The expansion builds on the success of programs like Achieve Green, a pre-apprenticeship partnership in Boston that has already provided certification and career readiness training to numerous participants interested in sustainable construction.

With Tremco CPG's support, the Rising Stars Program will continue functioning and use its nonprofit status to obtain grants and foundation funding, vital for expanding staff and improving programming opportunities.

“Tremco CPG has proudly supported Rising Stars from the beginning, and this transition to nonprofit status only reinforces our commitment to its long-term success,” says Krista Gnatt, president of Tremco Roofing & Building Maintenance. 

“It will enable Rising Stars to continue building a skilled and diverse workforce for the future of the construction industry,” Gnatt added.

Rising Stars provides participants with essential tools for success while tackling the industry’s persistent labor shortage through practical training, industry certifications, and valuable mentorship.

To learn more about the Rising Stars Program, visit tremcocpg.com/our-values/rising-stars.