ESS Foundation Awards Multi-Year Grant to Support Stephens College Women in Trades Program
$30,000 Investment Strengthens Pathways for Women Entering Skilled Trades Careers
The ESS Foundation has awarded a multi-year grant totaling $30,000 to the Stephens College Women in Trades program. The investment will provide $15,000 in 2026 and another $15,000 in 2027, helping expand pre-apprenticeship training and workforce development opportunities for women entering skilled trades careers. The ESS Foundation is an ESS Companies (ESSC) employee-owner-led, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promote the construction industry, provide career opportunities, and benefit community development projects.
The Women in Trades program prepares students for apprenticeship opportunities through hands-on training, industry exposure, and career readiness experiences in trade fields and heavy highway construction. Created to help women enter trade careers, the program removes barriers to participation by providing support services such as childcare, PPE, stipends, etc.
The program currently serves local Douglass High School students, with Stephens College providing transportation to ensure accessibility and participation. Strong enrollment demand continues to drive program growth, making investments like this critical to expanding opportunities.
“As a matching partner for our FHWA Highway Construction Training Program grant, this investment directly strengthens our ability to provide hands-on training, industry connections, and workforce pathways that lead to sustainable, high-demand careers for our students,” said Dr. Scott Taylor of Stephens College. “The ESS Foundation’s commitment to workforce development is making a meaningful impact not only on our students, but on the future of the construction industry itself.”
The program is designed to equip participants with the technical skills, industry knowledge, and professional connections needed to succeed in the workforce.
“Supporting this effort alongside Stephens College to prepare women for careers in the trades is crucial to meeting the daily demand for highly skilled workers,” said Ed Scavone, ESS Foundation Board Member. “A thriving economy is impossible without well-trained people ready and willing to jump into every type of job.”
The grant reflects the ESS Foundation’s ongoing commitment to workforce development initiatives that help build the next generation of construction professionals.
“It’s an honor to present this grant and support the incredible work happening at Stephens College,” said Tim Paulson, ESS Foundation President. “The Women in Trades program changes lives by creating pathways into meaningful, well-paying careers in the construction trades.”
The partnership highlights a shared commitment to increasing workforce participation and expanding career opportunities within the construction industry.
“This partnership reflects what the ESS Foundation is all about, creating opportunities, helping grow the construction workforce, and opening more doors for women in the skilled trades,” said Angie Regan, ESS Foundation Board Member.
As demand for skilled workers continues to rise across the construction industry, partnerships like this help strengthen the workforce pipeline.The ESS Foundation supports programs that prepare future industry leaders and build a stronger construction workforce.
