The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) and Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF) have been selected as one of 11 community and technical colleges receiving Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants nationwide. The district, in partnership with MCCF, will receive $1 million in funding to support construction trades programs at Mesa Community College (MCC), South Mountain Community College (SMCC) and Rio Salado College (RSC).
“Maricopa Community Colleges have a rich history of training skilled workers, many of whom join our local workforce and contribute to the region’s growing economy,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, MCCCD chancellor. “Thanks to generous support from the Lowe’s Foundation, we have an opportunity to enhance our existing program offerings and provide our students with the highest caliber education, resources and facilities to ensure they are job-ready.”
David A. Cain, Ph.D., residential faculty and program director for Mesa Community College's construction trades program, said they are grateful to the Lowe's Foundation for their support, helping MCC achieve its vision, mission and goals for the program.
"This needed support and funding will allow Mesa Community College construction trades to advance to the next level with modern upgraded equipment and facilities," said Cain. "MCC is developing a construction laydown yard found on most large building project sites in Maricopa County. The site provides students opportunities to learn how to navigate the weather conditions they will experience working in the construction industry in Arizona."
Funding allocation details:
- MCC will receive $483,705.88 in grant funding to hire a part-time lab technician, expand facilities to include an outdoor training space, purchase construction materials and equipment, and optimize outreach efforts through various marketing initiatives. MCC’s construction trades program offers year-round start dates and comprehensive training in plumbing, carpentry, electrical systems and construction management to prepare students for careers as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, foremen, project managers and construction site managers.
- SMCC will receive $350,280.06 in grant funding to hire additional staff including a part-time faculty member and part-time lab technician, purchase specialized carpentry, electrical and plumbing materials, and expand marketing and recruitment outreach efforts through events and promotional materials. SMCC offers degree and certificate programs through its Construction Trades Institute, including specialized focus areas such as carpentry, electrical, framing and plumbing.
- RSC will receive $45,176.00 in grant funding to upgrade infrastructure and lab training space, deliver OSHA training to three instructors, In addition to the college’s certificate programs, RSC partners with the Arizona Department of Corrections to offer occupational training, including construction-electrical and plumbing.
MCCF will also use funds to provide students with stipends to help cover their cost of attendance.
"The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation is proud to partner with the Lowe's Foundation and MCCCD to expand our construction programs, which are dedicated to meeting the workforce needs of the construction industry through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to student success,” said Brian F. Spicker, MCCF president and CEO. “By investing in our programs, the Lowe’s Foundation will not only support individual students in pursuing rewarding careers but also contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of the region."
Greater Phoenix has become a top growth market for construction, with no signs of slowing down. According to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, the construction industry is expected to see the highest rate of job growth, 3.3% from 2023 to 2025. By 2031, the state is projected to add 37,000 new construction jobs. As the largest provider of workforce training in the state, MCCCD’s comprehensive construction trades programs provide students with a blend of theoretical, technical and hands-on instruction needed to succeed in a variety of high-wage, high-demand roles.
“With enrollments rising at vocationally focused schools, these community colleges are blossoming arenas for entrepreneurship and economic mobility,” said Janice Dupré, Lowe's executive vice president of human resources and chair of the Lowe’s Foundation. “Each college has a clear, inspired vision for closing the trades gap in its community, and we’re pleased to welcome them to our larger movement.”
Today’s nearly $8 million investment is the latest in the Lowe’s Foundation’s five-year, $50 million commitment to support the training of 50,000 people for skilled trades careers. Since 2023, the Lowe’s Foundation has awarded over $25 million in Gable Grants to expand innovative and scalable skilled trades training across the U.S.
To learn more about MCCCD’s construction trades programs, visit maricopa.edu/degrees-
