ATLANTA — The Home Depot Foundation said it will invest $500,000 to support skilled trades programs at postsecondary schools in Southern California.

The funds are part of a $3 million commitment the Home Depot Foundation announced to support wildfire relief in Southern California.

Through the Path to Pro program, the foundation will work with its nonprofit partners to support rebuilding efforts in an area that saw thousands of structures damaged or destroyed by the fires. Those partners include: 

• Home Builders Institute (HBI), partnering with the foundation to support community colleges and postsecondary schools in the Los Angeles area that train students for skilled trades careers. Funds will be used to cover costs for curriculum as well as equip classrooms with necessary tools; and
• SkillPointe Foundation, which will award 100 construction career scholarships to Southern California students pursuing a trades college or post-secondary program.

“While every natural disaster is devastating, the total loss that occurs due to wildfires like those that impacted Southern California calls for a long-term recovery strategy that will require an enormous number of skilled workers in construction,” said Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation. “The Home Depot is committed to being there for our communities for the long haul, and that includes helping to train the next generation of tradespeople who will spearhead this rebuilding process.”

The Home Depot Foundation works to improve the homes and lives of U.S. veterans, train skilled tradespeople to fill the labor gap and support communities impacted by natural disasters. The Foundation has pledged to invest $750 million in veteran causes by 2030 and $50 million in training the next generation of skilled tradespeople through the Path to Pro program.