FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction is Now Open ↗

SkillsUSA Receives $10 Million Commitment from Lowe’s

Words: Thomas AdamsSkillsUSA announced Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has made a $10 million commitment through 2014. The multi-year commitment was made at SkillsUSA’s National Student Leadership Conference in Kansas City, Mo. This unprecedented grant represents Lowe’s investment in SkillsUSA and its students. It will further the SkillsUSA program in communities, provide awareness of technical careers and training opportunities, and highlight SkillsUSA’s benefits to the community.

“The Lowe’s grant will help us invest in our leaders of tomorrow and enable students to continually learn, update their skills and hone their knowledge,” said Timothy Lawrence, executive director for SkillsUSA. “The youth who will benefit from this generous grant will be the work force our nation will count upon. Lowe’s and SkillsUSA, through our technical training programs, are creating things together that will truly make a lasting impact.”

Lowe’s and its vendor partners are working to solve the impending skilled worker shortage by investing in trades education today. Through its support of SkillsUSA, Lowe’s commitment is helping to fill the skills gap with technical, professional, managerial, leadership, customer service and communication skills. SkillsUSA will use the grant to enhance its instructional programs and provide the funding its chapters need to embrace community service and school improvement projects.

Through 2009, Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded 99 grants of up to $10,000 each to SkillsUSA chapters and $365,000 to support Team Works competitions. Lowe’s also equipped 380 construction labs and 361 automotive classes with Kobalt tools.

“By investing in SkillsUSA, Lowe’s is representing our commitment to communities, education and customers,” said Larry D. Stone, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “Lowe’s $10 million commitment will help prepare America’s future work force with world-class skills — as the SkillsUSA students of today will become the contractors, industry leaders and volunteers of tomorrow.”
 0
Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

Zach Everett
Technical Talks
Read More
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More