Goodwill Arkansas has secured an $850,000 grant from The BlackRock Foundation, marking the largest privately funded grant the nonprofit has ever received. This funding is part of a larger initiative, BlackRock Future Builders, which aims to distribute over $13 million to enhance skilled trades training across the U.S.
With this grant, Goodwill Arkansas plans to enhance its Academy’s welding and construction programs, offering tuition-free training to 220 participants in central and Northwest Arkansas. The initiative is designed to address the growing demand for skilled workers in the state by expanding hands-on training and apprenticeship opportunities in various trades, such as electrical work, HVAC, plumbing, and more.
Brian Marsh, president and CEO of Goodwill Arkansas, emphasized the grant’s significance for strengthening the workforce and providing accessible training for individuals seeking stable career paths.
The BlackRock Foundation, through its Future Builders initiative, aims to support 50,000 American workers over five years, focusing on creating pathways to economic opportunity for individuals and communities. Goodwill is one of 15 organizations nationwide receiving this grant, selected from over 1,000 applicants.
