THE HOME DEPOT
FOUNDATION
Our Mission
CLOSING THE SKILLED TRADESPEOPLE GAP
The Home Depot Foundation is dedicated to closing the skilled trades gap through the Path to Pro program. By offering free education, hands-on training and certifications for individuals seeking a career in the skilled construction trades – no matter where they are on their journey – we’re helping more people build stable, long-term careers.
600 thousand+
individuals introduced to the skilled trades
70 thousand+
participants certified nationwide
$50 Million
committed to addressing the skilled labor gap
~1 thousand
scholarships awarded in the skilled trades
WHY CHOOSE THE SKILLED TRADES?
The demand for skilled construction workers like plumbers, electricians, carpenters and HVAC technicians has never been higher:
- High Demand: 300,000 available jobs in construction today
- Growing Need: Deficit expected to reach 4.1 million over the next decade
- The Gap: For every 5 tradespeople who retire, only 2 qualified workers are entering the field
The Home Depot Foundation’s
TRADES-FOCUSED PROGRAMS
MILITARY PROGRAM
In partnership with Home Builders Institute (HBI), this program provides exiting service members with an industry-recognized pre-apprenticeship certification (PACT) at 10 U.S. military bases.
HIGH SCHOOL & YOUTH PROGRAM
In partnership with HBI, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and Construction Ready, this program offers curriculum and hands-on training to high school students and youth. The Foundation also partners with Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Scouting America’s Atlanta Area Council to bring introductory training programs to Club members and Scouts.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Through the Path to Pro scholarship program, The Home Depot Foundation has awarded nearly 1,000 scholarships nationwide to students pursuing an education at a trade college or postsecondary program.
SKILLED Nation Path to Pro Scholarships
- Open to anyone interested in pursuing skilled trades training
- Applications accepted year-round
Folds of Honor Scholarships
- Open to qualifying veterans and military family members
- The next application window opens Feb. 1, 2027
GRANT PROGRAM
Our Education Grants offer up to $10,000 to help skilled trades training programs make critical upgrades to their tools, equipment, materials and more.
National Education Grants
- The Path to Pro Education Grants program awards grants to accredited K-12 programs, accredited post-secondary institutions (community and technical colleges) and nonprofit organizations with existing construction skilled trades training across the U.S.
- Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis.
ACADEMY PROGRAM
This 9-week program offers free carpentry and electrical training and certification for diverse adult populations and underserved communities in six cities across the U.S.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM
To serve aspiring entrepreneurs within the skilled trades industry, this virtual program, in partnership with the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University, guides U.S. military veterans and military spouses through the process of establishing a successful business foundation.
HBI Building Careers. Changing Lives. Logo
Construction Ready Logo
100 Black men of America, INC. Logo
Skill Pointe Foundation logo
Folds of Honor logo
S Institute for Veterans & Military Families PMorgan Chase & Co., Founding Partner logo