Lowe's Foundation Presents $1 Million to York Technical College to Expand Skilled Trades Training
York Technical College welcomed a delegation from Lowe's Foundation on Thursday, September
24, for the presentation of a ceremonial $1 million check. The award, part of the
Foundation's Gable Grant program, will support the expansion of the College's Building
Construction Trades program, which trains students in HVAC, electrical, carpentry,
plumbing, and appliance repair.
The visit recognized York Technical College's selection as a 2026 Lowe's Foundation Gable Grant recipient. Guests toured the College's Building Construction Trades labs, met members of the College, and learned how support from the Lowe's Foundation will strengthen skilled trades education and workforce development in the region.
“Closing the skilled trades workforce gap starts with giving people access to high-quality training that prepares them for the jobs employers need to fill,” said Betsy Conway, executive director of the Lowe’s Foundation. “Through this $1 million Gable Grant, we’re proud to support York Technical College as it expands hands-on learning environments that reflect real job sites and prepares more students for meaningful careers in the skilled trades.”
York Technical College will use the Gable Grant to expand the facilities and upgrade the equipment students train on to best reflect real job-site conditions. Students will gain practical experience before they enter the workforce, and regional employers will benefit from a stronger pipeline of qualified talent.
"Community and technical colleges connect learning to opportunity, and in the skilled trades, that connection is made through applied instruction," said Dr. Meg Webber, Vice President of Academic Affairs at York Technical College. "This investment enables us to align our labs with the standards students will encounter in industry and reinforces the partnership between education and employers that sustains our regional economy. We are grateful to the Lowe's Foundation for its confidence in our faculty and students."
York Technical College is one of 10 community and technical colleges nationwide selected to receive a Gable Grant this round. Together, the awards represent nearly $8 million in Lowe's Foundation support for skilled trades training.