Since 2017 Fine Homebuilding has partnered with SkillsUSA to support our #KeepCraftAlive Scholarship, a critical initiative aimed at nurturing the future leaders of the skilled trades. As passionate advocates for craftsmanship and quality construction, members of our community have wholeheartedly supported this endeavor every year to help empower the next generation of skilled practitioners and construction leaders. Fine Homebuilding contributors Travis Brundgardt and Joe Cook exemplify this spirit of giving back and have truly helped drive the #KeepCraftAlive program forward.

Inspired by the Fine Homebuilding Summit, Travis and Joe developed the Building Science Symposium series, a multistop tour of building thought leaders with a mission to improve the way we build homes. All of the proceeds from Building Science Symposium events go directly to supporting the #KeepCraftAlive initiative. Through these efforts, and through the commitment of all of those who attended a Building Science Symposium event in 2023, Travis and Joe were able to steer $42,000 into the #KeepCraftAlive Scholarship fund.

In an era when the demand for skilled labor continues to rise, the #KeepCraftAlive Scholarship has become a beacon of opportunity, providing financial support for students passionate about pursuing careers in the construction trades. Every year we recognize and reward the exceptional talent and dedication exhibited by these aspiring tradespeople, reinforcing their commitment to the craft and ensuring a thriving future for the residential construction industry.

It’s through the generosity and energy of those like Travis and Joe that meaningful strides toward narrowing the skills gap can be made. #KeepCraftlive is more than just a means of financial support; it is a vibrant community of like-minded craftspeople, mentors, and industry professionals committed to building a better industry, one project at a time. Thank you to Travis and Joe, to all the attendees this past year, and to all of those who take the initiative—both big and small—to help #KeepCraftAlive on a daily basis.

To learn more about our scholarship, visit keepcraftalive.org.

RELATED STORIES

• Rethinking “Kids These Days”
• The Value of a Diversified Workforce
• Keep Craft Alive Tradesperson Profiles

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