At its core, this partnership is about creating real pathways into stable, meaningful, in-demand careers, and giving people a chance to see themselves in a future where they can thrive. The EGIA Foundation is the charitable arm of EGIA, a nonprofit organization that empowers home services contractors to grow stronger, more profitable businesses through industry-leading training, financing, and program solutions, while also supporting utility and government energy efficiency and workforce development initiatives. 

The GRIT Foundation, supported by SkillCat, is dedicated to opening doors into the skilled trades by connecting students with hands-on learning, mentorship, and accessible, industry-relevant education. 

Together, the organizations share a belief that talent is everywhere, but opportunity can be difficult to locate and gain access to. This enhanced scholarship program prioritizes youth and individuals who need assistance, with a focus on underrepresented communities and job-ready training. 

“Too many people have the drive to succeed but never get a real shot,” said Leilani Orr, executive director of the GRIT Foundation. “This partnership is about telling them: we see you, we believe in you, and we’re investing in your future. When we remove cost, location, and access as barriers, incredible things happen.” 

Students who complete the program will earn industry-recognized certifications, including OSHA 10, EPA Section 608, and NATE Ready-to-Work. These credentials ensure graduates are not just trained, but job-ready and aligned with real contractor hiring needs. 

But education is only the beginning. The partnership also extends into workforce engagement and placement. The EGIA Foundation and GRIT Foundation will collaborate on regional Career Day initiatives that connect students with contractors, trade schools, junior colleges, and community leaders. In addition, the organizations are developing an online hiring directory to directly connect graduates with employers seeking entry-level HVAC and skilled trades talent. The GRIT Foundation will further support graduates through job placement tools designed to ease the transition from classroom to career.

“This partnership allows us to extend our charitable mission beyond financial assistance and into long-term impact,” said Bruce Matulich, CEO and executive director of EGIA. “By combining education, certification, and job placement support, we’re creating a more inclusive on ramp into the skilled trades and helping address the workforce shortages contractors across the country continue to face.” 

To accelerate impact, the EGIA Foundation and GRIT Foundation are actively pursuing federal, state, and local workforce development grants, as well as utility and government initiatives, aimed at closing the labor gap for ready-to-hire HVAC technicians and other high-demand skilled trades roles. For students, this means a chance to step into a career that offers stability, purpose, and upward mobility. For contractors, it means access to a stronger, better-prepared talent pipeline. For the industry, it means a future built on opportunity, inclusion, and skilled hands ready to go to work.