Help Us Close the Gap: We’re 10 scholarships away from our goal of being able to provide training for 80 women in 2024. Your contribution this Giving Tuesday can be the stepping stone for a woman to begin a career in the skilled trades or advanced manufacturing industry where they can earn a living wage. Be a Part of the Solution: Sponsor a Scholarship and Invite Others to Do the Same. Together, We Can Close the Gap.

*The cost for one Step Up Success scholarship is $5,500. This covers all training, materials, and certifications students require in the Step Up for Women Pre-apprenticeship programs.

What We Do

Our comprehensive 12-week Step Up for Women Construction Pre-apprenticeship program is meticulously designed to equip aspiring women with the skills, knowledge, and certifications needed to excel in nontraditional fields such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and welding.

What the Training Involves:

  • Hands-On Learning: Students engage in practical, on & off-site training sessions led by industry experts.
  • Skill Development: They learn the foundational skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and welding, preparing them for real-world challenges.
  • Classroom Instruction: Students are provided essential job skills such as professional communication, resumes & cover letters, and trades math.

Certifications Earned:

Upon completion, some of the certifications students receive:

  • OSHA 10 Construction Safety Card
  • Plumber in Training License
  • HVAC Trainee License
  • First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
  • Forklift Certification
  • CNC Machine Operator Certification (for Advanced Manufacturing Program)

Why We Are Needed

In industries where women are significantly underrepresented, our Step Up for Women Construction & Advanced Manufacturing programs stand as a beacon of opportunity and empowerment. These programs are more than just training; it’s a movement towards diversifying the construction & manufacturing industry and shattering the glass ceiling that has long limited women’s roles in skilled trades.

Addressing the Gender Gap:

  • Empowering Women: We provide women with the skills and confidence to enter and excel in fields traditionally dominated by men.
  • Creating Role Models: Our graduates become trailblazers, inspiring more women to consider careers in skilled trades.

Economic Empowerment:

  • Living Wage Careers: The program opens doors to well-paying jobs, helping women achieve financial independence and stability.
  • Filling Industry Demand: With a growing need for skilled tradespeople, our graduates are essential to addressing the labor shortage in the construction & manufacturing industries.

Comprehensive Training:

  • Our curriculum is designed not just to teach skills but to prepare women for a lifelong career in the skilled trades.

Community Impact:

  • Strengthening Local Economies: By training women for careers in the skilled trades, we contribute to the economic development of our communities.
  • Diverse Workforce: A more diverse workforce leads to increased creativity, problem-solving, and innovation in the construction & manufacturing industry.

The Step Up for Women Construction & Advanced Manufacturing programs are more than just a training course; it’s a transformative experience that equips women with the tools, skills, and confidence to build a better future for themselves and their communities. Join us in this vital mission to empower women and reshape the landscape of the skilled trade industries.

Every Donation Creates a Ripple of Impact

Hear From Our Past Students

Your Donation: Sponsoring a Scholarship, Empowering a Future

Each Scholarship: A Gateway to Opportunity and Growth

When you donate to sponsor a Step Up Success Scholarship at West Virginia Women Work, you’re providing much more than financial support. You’re opening doors to education, career opportunities, and personal growth for our students. Your contribution directly translates into tangible resources and support for those embarking on a journey in skilled trades.

What Students Receive with Each Sponsored Scholarship:

  • Comprehensive Training: Access to our 12-week program in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and more.
  • Essential Certifications: Costs covered for critical certifications like Forklift, First Aid/CPR, OSHA 10, and others, making our graduates job-ready.
  • Professional Tools and Equipment: Provision of a toolbelt, hand tools, steel-toed boots, and hard hats, ensuring students are equipped from day one.
  • Educational Materials: All necessary learning resources and materials for a complete educational experience.
  • Mentorship and Guidance: Connection with experienced professionals for mentorship, offering guidance and industry insights.
  • Workforce Preparation: Assistance with job placement, resume building, and interview skills, preparing students for successful career entry.

The Impact of Your Step Up Success Scholarship Sponsorship:

  • Career Launchpad: You’re not just funding education; you’re kickstarting a woman’s career in a high-demand, skilled trade.
  • Breaking Barriers: Your support plays a crucial role in challenging gender norms and opening up nontraditional fields to more women.
  • Long-Term Empowerment: Beyond immediate education, you’re contributing to lifelong skills and financial independence for each student.

By sponsoring a Step Up Success Scholarship, you’re making a profound commitment to individual empowerment and societal change. Your donation is an investment in a brighter, more inclusive future, where every woman has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed in her chosen trade.

Scan the QR code below to help Sponsor a Step Up Success Scholarship

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