SUPPORT THE TRADES
DONATE TODAY
Tradespeople have built our communities for generations and their skills will remain vital for years to come. By donating to Explore The Trades, you help preserve this legacy and empower the next generation of professionals.
Why Our Work Matters
Explore The Trades exists to bridge the technical talent gap by introducing students to careers in plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical. The organization provides free resources that inspire the next generation of skilled trades professionals while supporting educators and industry partners.
For decades, schools shifted focus toward four-year college pathways, creating stigma around the skilled trades and leaving many students unaware of these essential careers. By supporting Explore The Trades, you help restore pride in the trades, rebuild awareness in classrooms, and open doors for the next generation of plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians. Now is the time to invest in the people who power the trades.
Partnering to Build the Trades Talent Pipeline.
For business owners and industry leaders, the video below is a powerful example of how partnering with local schools can help develop the next generation of skilled trades professionals. Watch the video to learn more and discover how you can support trades education in your community.
Explore The Trades hosted a compelling panel featuring Mayfair educator Evin Jarrett and former student Jamiah Washington. Their conversation, moderated by Executive Director Kate Cinnamo and Trustee Lauren Martin of Seaside Plumbing Inc., offers a firsthand look at how career and technical education (CTE) can shape futures and strengthen communities.
Company Spotlight
HD Supply contributed $10,000 to Explore The Trades to help grow the skilled trades talent pipeline. This gift reinforces their commitment to workforce development and advancing education in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades across the country.
HD Supply is a one-stop partner for skilled trades, providing the essential tools, supplies, and solutions that help professionals work efficiently. With fast delivery, easy online ordering, and dedicated sales professionals, they are committed to helping you succeed—whether you’re building your career, growing your business, or educating the next generation of tradespeople.
This webinar was recorded on March 6th, 2025.
“There is a growing technical skills gap across the trades, making it essential to educate and to raise awareness,” said Neal Heyman, senior director of marketing at Bradford White. “That’s what Explore The Trades is doing, promoting diversity within the residential services field. Our ongoing partnership with them is an investment in the future of the skilled trades workforce.”
Donor Spotlight
Bradford White Corporation
Explore The Trades is proud to highlight Bradford White Corporation, an industry-leading manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, as a dedicated partner committed to building the next generation of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical professionals.
Through its Industry Forward® program, Bradford White has renewed its support for the third consecutive year, underscoring its long-term commitment to workforce development. This year’s $21,185.48 grant directly fuels Explore The Trades’ classroom poster kit program, providing resources designed to inspire young people to explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
Since the program’s launch in 2021, nearly 5,700 poster kits have been distributed to more than 3,200 schools, workforce agencies, and home service companies across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and five Canadian provinces. As a result, over one million students have been introduced to career pathways that extend beyond the traditional four‑year college track.
Bradford White’s ongoing partnership helps Explore The Trades expand access to resources—including Spanish and illustrated kids’ materials—ensuring students from more communities see a future for themselves in the trades.
How You Can Help
With support from donors and industry partners, Explore The Trades is helping assemble the technical workforce of the future. Your donation to Explore The Trades provides classroom and on-demand resources to educators, young adults, parents, and all those ready to begin a path to career success.
Explore The Trades is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charity; EIN 20-3547319. Make a gift today to help empower the trades of tomorrow.
All contributions are greatly appreciated!
Donate to a Good Cause: Become a Monthly Supporter
You can make a big impact with a small monthly gift. By joining our community of recurring donors, you’ll help sustain Explore The Trades’ mission to connect students, parents, and educators with the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical industries. Your ongoing support provides the steady resources needed to encourage skilled trades professionals and strengthen communities nationwide.
Supporters who wish to become a monthly donor will receive the following:
- Special recognition on Explore The Trades’ website and annual donor recognition announcements
- An Explore The Trades digital badge to share on social media or your company’s website to proudly showcase your support of Explore The Trades
- Explore The Trades stickers and lapel pins
Your Annual Impact
$10
With a contribution of $10 a month,
your annual impact provides 12 poster
kits to schools across the country –
reaching over 6,700 students each
year, on average.
$20
With a contribution of $20 a month,
your annual impact provides 24 poster
kits to schools across the country –
reaching over 13,000 students each
year, on average.
$50
With a contribution of $50 a month,
your annual impact provides 60 poster
kits to schools across the country –
reaching over 33,000 students each
year, on average.
$100
With a contribution of $100 a month,
your annual impact provides 120
poster kits to schools across the
country – reaching over 67,000
students each year, on average.
Partner with Explore The Trades!
Partner with us to inspire the next generation of skilled trades professionals. Explore partnership opportunities below to help guide the next generation into rewarding careers.
To discuss partnership opportunities, please contact:
Toni Bower, Donor Engagement Specialist: tonib@explorethetrades.org or 651-300-1612
Kate Cinnamo, Executive Director: katec@explorethetrades.org or 651-789-8518