Supporting the Next Generation of Skilled Labor

The Accelerate Foundation provides Workforce Entry Grants to help nontraditional students transition into skilled trades careers. These grants support a 90-day wage match model, where the employer pays the base wage and the Foundation helps cover the difference up to a more livable starting wage. This gives new workers the opportunity to learn, prove themselves, and build real experience while making a practical transition into a new field.

The United States faces a growing shortage of skilled trades professionals. As experienced workers retire, there are not enough trained individuals to fill critical roles in automotive technology, welding, electrical work, plumbing, and other essential trades.

This shortage impacts communities, businesses, and the economy. Without skilled professionals, infrastructure projects are delayed, equipment goes unrepaired, and essential services become harder to access.

Accelerate Foundation addresses this challenge by supporting students who choose hands-on technical careers. Through scholarships, mentorship, and career development, we help build the next generation of skilled professionals our communities need.