Stanley Black & Decker, in New Britain, Connecticut, has announced grants totaling $3 million in support of 59 nonprofit organizations.

The inaugural grants in the power tool manufacturer’s five-year, $25 million Empower Makers Global Impact program will support trade-workforce development, skills enhancement, and retraining for up to three million workers. In addition, the company awarded nearly $1 million in tool donations to 27 organizations to outfit makerspaces and training facilities. The opportunity to apply for the second round of grants will begin October 1, 2022.

According to Stanley Black & Decker, there are currently an estimated 650,000 open construction jobs and 10 million unfilled manufacturing jobs worldwide, and the company predicts its 2022 grants will engage 180,000 people through mentoring and vocational skills training. Recipients—high schools, community colleges, and vocational and trade schools, as well as construction nonprofits and makerspaces—include Appalachia Service Project, Cornerstones of Care, Maker Nexus, and Workshops for Warriors.

“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,” said Stanley Black & Decker vice president of social impact Diane 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.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/graphixchon)