Lowe’s Foundation Partners with SkillsUSA in Support of Skilled Trades CareersSkillsUSA Membership Exceeds Last Year’s Record, Sets New All-time High

SkillsUSA Contacts:
Jane Short or Karen Kitzel, 703-777-8810
Email: jshort@skillsusa.org or kkitzel@skillsusa.org

Foundation continues longstanding support of SkillsUSA and the development of a stronger, larger skilled trades workforce

Leesburg, Va., March 26, 2025 —SkillsUSA announced today that the Lowe’s Foundation will support the organization with a donation of $700,000 to amplify the essential nature of the skilled trades and support students as they launch careers.

For 19 years, Lowe’s has partnered with SkillsUSA — the #1 workforce development organization for students — through more than $26 million in funding and event participation that supports the national nonprofit educational association’s over 440,000 members. Key projects this year include collaboration for SkillsUSA National Signing Day on May 6 when hundreds of SkillsUSA schools will host events to honor students as they sign letters of intent for a job offer, apprenticeship or advanced technical training. The celebratory events take place with an audience of cheering industry partners, school administrators, teachers, elected officials, family and peers. In addition, Lowe’s will host five Signing Day events at their stores. Lowe’s is also supporting the rollout of SkillsUSA’s work-based learning (WBL) programs to help students develop an occupational identity and explore a skilled trades career path as they develop technical knowledge and useful skills.

“Since 2006, the incredible support of the Lowe’s Foundation has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of high-quality career and technical education nationwide,” said SkillsUSA Executive Director Chelle Travis. “As the nation’s leading workforce development organization for students, we are committed to equipping them with durable, career-readiness skills that lay a strong foundation for success. By working alongside the Lowe’s Foundation, we are not only closing the skills gap but also creating greater pathways to meaningful careers for students across the country.”

In total, the Lowe’s Foundation just announced nearly $9 million in Gable Grants to strengthen 15 nonprofits that are on the front lines of the growing skilled trades workforce movement. “We listen closely to contractors and know that many candidates don’t have the necessary skills to fill the wide range of open trades positions,” said Janice Dupré, Lowe’s executive vice president of human resources and chair of the Lowe’s Foundation. “Through modern training methods, these nonprofits are unlocking the workforce’s potential while building an economy that rewards skills, not just titles or four-year degrees.” Since 2023, the Lowe’s Foundation has awarded over $34 million in Gable Grants to help educate and advocate for the next generation of skilled tradespeople. The grants support training programs focusing on carpentry and construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and appliance repair.

In addition to SkillsUSA, Lowe’s partners with organizations such as Boys and Girls Club, Goodwill, NCCER and others that are working to build the next generation of skilled trades professionals. For more information on Lowe’s commitment to developing the skilled trades workforce, visit Lowes.com/Foundation.

About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 413,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 15 million members since its founding in 1965. Learn more at skillsusa.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

About The Lowe’s Foundation

The Lowe’s Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) organization founded by Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW), is helping develop a community of skilled tradespeople to build and revitalize our homes, neighborhoods and infrastructure for the future. From 2023 through 2028, the Lowe’s Foundation is investing $50 million to help prepare 50,000 people for skilled trades careers through grants to community and technical colleges, community-based nonprofit organizations and national nonprofit partners with a strong local presence. To learn more about the Lowe’s Foundation, visit Lowes.com/Foundation and follow on Instagram, X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Lowe’s Foundation Media Contact
Sebastian Hale
Sebastian.hale@lowes.com