With more than 400,000 skilled trade jobs sitting unfilled, The Home Depot Foundation is investing $10 million to prepare the next generation for careers that will literally help build America’s future.

The foundation’s latest commitment expands skilled trades training and education nationwide, including a groundbreaking $1 million partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America designed to introduce young people to construction careers.

The partnership launches a two-year pilot program in Boys & Girls Clubs across Atlanta, Phoenix, and Houston, where more than 1,000 children and teenagers will gain hands-on exposure to careers in carpentry, electrical work, HVAC systems, and plumbing. The program will be integrated into the organization's existing Life & Workforce Readiness Program, giving participants opportunities to work alongside Team Depot volunteers on real community projects.

"The skilled trades offer some of the most promising career paths, yet many young people either aren't aware of or lack access to these opportunities," said Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. "This investment in our Path to Pro nonprofit partners – including our new partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America – empowers students to hone these new skills while also strengthening the future of the construction industry."

The urgency of this workforce development initiative becomes clear when examining industry projections. A recent study by the Home Builders Institute and the University of Denver found that the skilled trades shortage could cost the residential construction industry $10.8 billion due to extended build times and reduced production capacity for single-family homes. With many experienced trades workers approaching retirement age, early career exposure has become critical to building a sustainable talent pipeline.

The urgency behind this investment becomes clear when examining public perceptions of skilled trades careers. A recent Harris Poll of more than 2,000 U.S. adults revealed a troubling generational divide: while 91% of Americans agree that trade jobs are just as important to society as white-collar positions, only 38% of Gen Z sees skilled trades as offering the best job opportunities today—compared to 59% of Baby Boomers. The survey also found that 86% of respondents believe skilled trade careers are overlooked in schools, and 90% say most people don't realize how high-paying these professions can be.

This perception gap highlights why corporate involvement is crucial. Nine in 10 Americans view companies more positively when they support skilled trade programs, suggesting that private sector initiatives like The Home Depot Foundation's investment could help reshape how young people view these career paths. The foundation's focus on hands-on training and early exposure directly addresses what survey respondents identified as key barriers to attracting young talent.

Expanding Opportunities

Jennifer Bateman, senior vice president of youth development at Boys & Girls Clubs of America, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership.

"At Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we're committed to helping young people explore meaningful opportunities that set them up for success," she said. "This partnership with The Home Depot Foundation opens doors to skilled trades careers, empowering thousands of youth to discover their potential and build great futures."

The $10 million investment extends well beyond the Boys & Girls Clubs partnership. Existing collaborations will receive significant expansions, including increased funding for the Home Builders Institute to grow its pre-apprenticeship certification program to nearly 2,000 additional high school students across 25 more schools.

The foundation is also maintaining its successful initiative with 100 Black Men of America and continuing specialized programs designed to help military service members transition into civilian trades careers, complete with certification and job placement assistance.

Supporting Military Families and Beyond

New grant recipients include organizations serving military families and veterans. Folds of Honor will receive scholarships specifically for those entering accredited trade schools, while Construction Ready and SkillPointe Foundation will offer classroom instruction, hands-on training, and scholarships for students pursuing skilled trades careers.

These foundation-supported programs complement The Home Depot's existing corporate initiatives, including the free online Skills Program and the Path to Pro Network, which maintains a database of more than 65,000 job candidates seeking employment in skilled trades.

Economic Impact

The timing of this investment reflects both opportunity and necessity in the current economic landscape. While many industries face uncertainty, skilled trades continue to offer stable, well-paying careers with strong growth prospects. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and carpenters often earn salaries comparable to or exceeding those of college graduates, typically without the burden of student loan debt.

The foundation's comprehensive approach, from early youth exposure through adult career transition,  represents a significant private sector response to a nationwide workforce challenge that affects housing availability, infrastructure development, and economic growth.

As the construction industry continues to expand with ongoing infrastructure investments and housing demand, initiatives like The Home Depot Foundation's Path to Pro program may prove crucial in ensuring America has the skilled workforce needed to build its future.