Stanley Black & Decker has announced the recipients of its inaugural Empower Makers Global Impact Challenge grant program. The program, launched in 2021, awards up to $25 million in grant funding over five years to non-profits that are supporting trade workforce development initiatives with the goal of skilling and reskilling up to 3 million makers.
With an estimated 650,000 open construction jobs in 20221 and 10 million unfilled manufacturing jobs globally, Stanley Black & Decker has made vocational skills training a priority through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) mission. A major component of the company's CSR strategy includes a goal to empower 10 million makers by the year 2030.
Fifty-nine organizations have been selected to receive $3 million to enable vital trade skills training and reskilling programs in the construction and manufacturing sectors. The inaugural recipients include career development schools, community colleges, construction nonprofits and trade schools from around the globe committed to positively impacting trade professions. In addition, the company will be providing nearly $1 million in tool donations to another 27 organizations to outfit makerspaces and training facilities.
"Congratulations to this year's Impact Challenge winners, who are each making a significant impact in helping to address the skills trade gap," said Stanley Black & Decker's Vice President of Social Impact, Diane Cantello. "Our purpose is to support 'Those Who Make the World,' and being able to fund educational programs and non-profits that are revitalizing trade careers directly connects to our core mission. By helping provide a pathway for trade professionals, we are also setting our sights on constructing a better future that can uplift the hardworking tradespeople who build our world to meet the ever-changing needs of society."
More than 240 total applications were evaluated based on number of people served, outcomes projected, sustainable impact, depth of programs and diversity, among many other considerations.
This year's recipients are anticipated to empower roughly 180,000 Makers through unique programming. Examples include:
- Workshops For Warriors Veteran program will teach skilled training for entry level welders or machinists
- YWCA of Metro Chicago will lead a 12-week training course in carpentry
- Region 14 Building Trades Program will teach pre-apprenticeship construction training programs
- Cornerstones of Care – Build Trybe will provide mentorship to under-resourced foster youth through vocational training
"Our Makers Grant recipients are inspiring – each application demonstrated a deep commitment from the organization to their communities," said Cantello. "Being able to support these organizations as they implement new programs aimed at filling the trade skills gap will help support regional job creation, sustainable careers in the trades, and the advancement of these critical professions where there is a shortage of skilled workers."
Stanley Black & Decker will continue to showcase and share the important work of the Makers Grant recipients online at EmpowerMakers.com as well as on Stanley Black & Decker's social media channels with #ImpactChallenge. The Empower Makers Global Impact Challenge will reopen for applications beginning October 1, 2022 through October 31, 2022. Recipients will be announced in early 2023.
