Just under a year ago, a quiet dinner on a snowy evening ignited a remarkable journey. It was at our dining room, surrounded by friends, that we shared our vision of founding a non-profit dedicated to helping in-need kids embrace skills-based careers. What began as a modest ambition to raise $10,000 in our first year has transformed into something far greater than we could have imagined.
Last month, we celebrated a pivotal milestone with our inaugural whiskey and wine tasting fundraiser. The response was overwhelming, and the event sold out, generating an astounding $90,000 in donations!
There is a seismic shift happening in our nation- and right here in Colorado, the opportunities are boundless. The demand for skilled workers is not just on the rise, it is skyrocketing as manufacturing, construction, clean energy and health care sectors are all vying for trained talent.
Consider this- the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment projects a staggering 30% increase in construction jobs between 2020 and 2030. Some of the most lucrative fields are future-ready skills, particularly in areas like sustainable building practices, smart home technology integration, and prefabrication techniques. As demand for skilled workers continues to outpace supply, we expect to see wages in the building trades rise by 15-20% by 2025.
For the under-resourced young adults we serve, this represents a transformative opportunity—one that can pave the way to a fulfilling lifestyle and a stable career. By gaining access to post-secondary training at Colorado’s community colleges or technical schools, these individuals can change their lives for the better. When we combine this educational access with essential wrap-around services—such as transportation, food security, language support, childcare, and assistance with materials costs—the chances of success increase dramatically.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, we have already awarded $25,000 in scholarships and grants over the past four months. This is just the beginning! Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to scale our impact by expanding the BPI scholarship program across all of Colorado. Our vision doesn't stop there; we aim to increase the number of grants to our network of non-profit and educational partners to further support our young adults on their journeys.
Together, we can empower these individuals to turn their dreams into reality. With your support, we can continue to provide the opportunities and resources they need to thrive. On behalf of BPI's Board of Directors, and especially the students, thank you for making a lasting difference together!
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