The Upgrade Foundation builds stronger, more equitable communities through inspired scholarship, sustainable practices, and workforce development in the trades. Dedicated to "Blue Collar Philanthropy", the Upgrade Foundation is transforming society with an investment in skill-literacy, customer service training, and an emphasis on closing the achievement gap for the underserved with a job placement pipeline. 

In 2018, a report by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute projected that between 2018 and 2028, there could be as many as 2.4 million unfilled manufacturing jobs. That labor shortage, the report said, would have an estimated $2.5 trillion negative economic impact in the United States alone. Why was this the case? The answer came from the manufacturers themselves: for several decades, the National Federation of Independent Business, a small-business association that skewed heavily toward blue-collar and low-paying industries, had conducted a monthly member survey that included questions about recruiting difficulties. According to the survey, it is harder now to find qualified workers than at any other period during the last 30 years.

To be qualified, there has to be an education process: an acquisition of knowledge, an advancement of skilled comprehension and experience, and opportunities to learn. And it starts with building a network of support. 

Successful communities start with a thriving and capable workforce, where citizens are proud of their contributions, and where the traditionally underserved find more opportunities for success–not less. With available training, free access to goods and materials, and better support from qualified individuals and businesses, workers will be empowered to take jobs and start businesses of their own. Thats what our "Blue Collar Philanthropy" enables.