The Lowe's Foundation has announced nearly $8 million in grants to community and technical colleges across the United States in support of skilled trades workforce development initiatives.

The grants are part of the foundation’s Gable Grants program, a five-year, $50 million commitment to prepare 50,000 people for careers in fields such as appliance repair, carpentry, construction, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing. Since awarding its first grants a year ago, the foundation has assisted in expanding skilled trades career pathways through its growing network of 35 community colleges and nonprofits in rural and urban communities across 27 states. The latest recipients, which boost the funding past $25 million to date, include Baton Rouge, Central Maine, and Central Piedmont community colleges.

“With enrollments rising at vocationally focused schools, these community colleges are blossoming arenas for entrepreneurship and economic mobility,” said Lowe’s Foundation chair and corporate executive vice president of human resources Janice Dupré. “Each college has a clear, inspired vision for closing the trades gap in its community, and we’re pleased to welcome them to our larger movement.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/serts)