We provide resources to elementary and middle school students, educators, and families that raise their awareness of construction trade careers and inspire them to enroll in career technical education (CTE) and STEM classes.
In 2024, we joined Discovery Education’s STEM Careers Coalition (SCC), a mix of corporate and nonprofit partners working to empower educators to teach STEM effectively and prepare today’s students for the future of work by providing equitable access to digital content and experiences. The SCC has reached 10 million students nationwide since its launch in 2019.
In our first year as SCC members, we created a career profile of a carpenter to introduce students to the skilled trades. We also provided funding for San Diego Unified School District to provide all 117 elementary schools in their district with access to resources from Discovery Education, enabling them to enhance their K-5 science instruction with digital tools that engage students through hands-on learning.
The Swinerton Foundation supports high school students in carpentry programs through direct school sponsorship, competition support, and industry mentorship. The Swinerton Foundation supported schools receive grants to provide teachers with the necessary resources they need in their classrooms. Our SkillsUSA business industry partners designate mentors to visit schools, speak to students about their personal career path, teach and coach students on current industry building standards, and participate in various SkillsUSA events, including state, regional, and national competitions. Currently, we have 34 construction industry mentors for our SkillsUSA sponsored schools.
If you are interested in becoming a business industry partner, please email us.
The Tony Williamson Building Better Futures Scholarship was established in 2018 following the passing of a beloved construction superintendent whose passion for the industry was infectious while mentoring and empowering others to be the very best they can be. The scholarship assists individuals in workforce development programs working towards their credentials to become construction apprentices. Selected recipients receive a scholarship upon graduation from their program, including an award of $5,000 and the opportunity to be considered for a three-month paid internship with a business industry partner. The Tony Williamson Scholarship is currently offered at Cypress Mandela Training Center in Oakland, CA, and Portland Youth Builders in Portland, OR. Since its inception, we have awarded $49,000 in scholarships to 32 graduates.
We support construction-related academic programs and student scholarships at 42 universities across the country as part of our University Giving program. We also provide funding for student organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers and Scientists (NSBE) and professional associations for construction educators, such as the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC).
