IDEAL Electrical™ is launching the Pathways Fund, a grant program that enables more students in skilled trades programs to graduate by providing funding to meet basic needs. The initial U.S. pilot program involves a $50,000 investment available to community colleges in the Midwest, with plans to expand to additional schools and regions in the future.
“Trades students often face non-academic barriers to completing their training, including unexpected childcare, housing, and transportation expenses. The Pathways Fund is designed to assist with these costs, helping students to graduate and successfully launch careers in the trades.”
Nicole Juday, Director of the IDEAL Foundation.
The Challenges that Today’s Trades Students Face
The Pathways Fund addresses a common challenge that many skilled trades students encounter. A national survey conducted by The Hope Center in 2024 found that 73% of students at two-year colleges reported some form of basic needs insecurity. Among students who left school before graduation, 83% cited basic needs insecurity as one reason for their decision.
As the skilled trades face a shortage of qualified workers, supporting aspiring tradespeople is growing even more important. The U.S. National Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that 9% more electricians will be needed in 2035 than 2025—significantly higher than the 3% national average for all occupations. Programs like the Pathways Fund provide targeted financial support to help students stay enrolled, complete training, and transition into successful careers that meet this demand.
How the Pathways Fund Helps Skilled Trades Students
The IDEAL Electrical Pathways Fund provides funding to community colleges, which in turn make discretionary grants to students facing non-academic barriers to graduation. By addressing students’ basic needs, the Pathways Fund helps strengthen talent pipelines while supporting educational institutions, employers, and the skilled trades as a whole.
The donated funds directly address student needs, including:
- Transportation assistance
- Emergency stabilization support
- Childcare assistance
- Food security support
- Mental health services
- Licensing or certification exam fees
- Other approved barrier-removal supports directly related to program completion
Inside the Pathways Fund Pilot Program
The initial pilot program targets community colleges across the Midwest. Each school is selected based upon the strength of its electrical or related skilled trades programs, as well as its track record of apprenticeship placement rates. Partnering schools will each receive a $10,000 annual cash grant, along with donated IDEAL Electrical tools and supplies to support hands-on learning.
In September 2026, the IDEAL Foundation funded the first two recipients: Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, and Milwaukee Area Technical College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Future: Plans to Expand the Pathways Fund
IDEAL Electrical plans to expand the program to additional colleges across the U.S. in the future. Similar to the ongoing IDEAL Connections program, the Pathways Fund reflects IDEAL’s longstanding values of supporting the local community.
“Students learn best when they can focus on building skills rather than worrying about affording basic needs,” said Nicole Juday. “IDEAL Industries has supported the skilled trades for more than 100 years, and through the Pathways Fund, we’re proud to help more students begin their careers in the trades.”
Learn More
Schools interested in learning more about the program should contact IDEAL.Foundation@idealindustries.com for more information.
