Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/182565
The Foundation is overseen by a group of HBAA members, known as Foundation Directors, who help guide the mission and vision of the non-profit. The Directors share an appreciation for education and a commitment to helping prepare future workers for the building industry. "One reason I wanted to get involved with the Foundation is that I see the good that is done with scholarships and supporting the trade schools, and I want to contribute and be a part of its growth," said Brown, a member of the Greater Montgomery Home Builders Association who has served with the Foundation for several years. "We have to provide a path to get people interested and trained for this industry." While the Foundation is perhaps best known for its scholarship program, it has been involved in many initiatives to educate students and the public about the building industry. Here's a brief look at some of the programs in which the Foundation has been involved. Scholarships Each spring, the Foundation awards scholarships to students throughout Alabama who are interested in pursuing careers in home building. The bulk of The Foundation is a longtime supporter of SkillsUSA and FFA competitions, and several scholarship recipients, including Bradley Wright of Pisgah, have competed at the state and national levels. the scholarship funds come from proceeds from the annual AHB Foundation Golf Classic. Since 1997, the Foundation has awarded $469,650 in scholarships to 870 students. See page 36 to read about this year's scholarship recipients. Career Days Tool Grants For many students, interacting with a Foundation The Foundation has assisted building programs at representative or HBAA member at a career day at their schools throughout the state by providing $15,000 in school is often their first glimpse into the home building tool grants. In many cases, these schools were using industry. Through career days, the Foundation has been equipment that was extremely outdated and hazardous, exposed to students from elementary all the way up or they did not have enough tools for all of their through high school. students to use. These grants have enabled schools on extremely limited budgets to purchase new tools and Connecting with Counselors greatly enhance their building programs. In addition to educating students, the Foundation works closely with high school counselors to educate School-to-Work Programs them about building industry careers available to The Foundation has worked with schools in their students. The Foundation is a sponsor of the Montgomery and Shelby Counties to provide hands-on Alabama Counseling Association's annual conference basic construction education to prepare students for and welcomes every opportunity to speak directly with entering the workforce. See page 29 to read about the counselors. newest partnership in Shelby County. SUMM E R 2 0 1 3 | A la ba m a Hom e bu il d er | 3 7