The National Housing Endowment (NHE) has set a bold goal for 2024 — to introduce 100,000 students to career opportunities in the residential skilled trades.

State and local home builders associations are encouraged to apply for the Career Connections grant program, funded by the Skilled Labor Fund (SLF) and managed by the NHE, to help meet this challenge.

The purpose of this funding is to support activities that introduce students to careers in residential skilled trades, including:

• Traditional “career fairs” where students meet prospective employers in a trade show format;
• Presentations where industry professionals educate students about the 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.

The SLF will award grants of up to $3,000. The committee will consider each application and will award funds based on merit and funding availability. Allocation of funds is determined by a committee representing the SLF, NHE, NAHB and any direction provided by contributors.

Applications are due Jan. 15, 2024, for career events taking place by December 2024. NHE will announce the grant recipients in the spring. Contact Mark Pursell with any questions.