Building the Future Workforce: Stanley Black & Decker Re-Opens Application Period for Global Impact Challenge To Empower Makers
The application period for Stanley Black & Decker’s annual Empower Makers Global Impact Challenge will be open from October 1 – October 25, 2022. The program, launched in 2021 is a 5-year, up to $25 million commitment to fund vocational skills training and reskilling programs in the construction and manufacturing sectors. This marks the second year that nonprofits around the globe can apply for grant funding.
With an estimated 650,000 open construction jobs in the U.S. 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. The Impact Challenge is expected to skill and reskill up to 3 million makers over the next five years in support of the strategy.
“Stanley Black & Decker is for those who make, build and create our world,” said Stanley Black & Decker Corporate Responsibility Officer, Deb Geyer. “With the lack of qualified talent in construction and manufacturing, the Empower Makers Global Impact Challenge was developed to support the hardworking individuals from organizations who are providing vital skills training for the next generation of makers and tradespeople. We’re proud of the progress we have seen from nonprofits in the first year of our Impact Challenge to provide career pathways and are eager to be able to support many more organizations with similar missions in our second year.”
Progress Update: 86 Nonprofits Empowered
In 2021, more than 240 total applications were submitted for the Global Impact Challenge and evaluated based on the number of people served, outcomes projected, sustainable impact, depth of programs and diversity, among many other considerations.
Fifty-nine organizations were selected to receive $3 million to enable vital trade skills training and reskilling programs. The inaugural recipients included career development schools, community colleges, construction nonprofits and trade schools from around the globe committed to positively impacting trade professions. In addition, the company provided nearly $1 million in tool donations to another 27 organizations to outfit makerspaces and training facilities.
Organizations like the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), were able to expand their career exploration tool, CareerStarter, to provide direct connections between entry-level job seekers, local training programs and employers. Workshops for Warriors implemented their Advanced Manufacturing Training for Young Veterans program, supporting 176 veterans and service members with nearly 4,000 hours of welding and machining education. And Hope Renovations launched a “Bringing Women to the Worksite” initiative, supporting unemployed women with free training to gain skills in the construction trade.
About the Application Process
Stanley Black & Decker’s Global Impact Challenge will award up to $5 million in grants and tools to nonprofits this year. Nonprofits supporting trade workforce development initiatives can apply between October 1 through October 25.
Nonprofits are encouraged to visit in advance of October to ensure they meet our eligibility requirements and have the materials needed in order to apply.
The open application period in October coincides with Stanley Black & Decker’s annual Maker Month, the company’s celebration of makers and tradespeople. Nonprofits who are working to train the next generation of skilled professionals are given an opportunity to receive support during the company’s 5th annual Maker Month.
