Workforce Development Grant for Fire Damage Recovery Through Construction Trades

Q: When is the deadline for Workforce Development Grant for Fire Damage Recovery Through Construction Trades?

The funder has not published a deadline for this grant.

Q: Who is eligible for Workforce Development Grant for Fire Damage Recovery Through Construction Trades?

Eligible applicants: Students seeking construction trades training; Adults and high school students (certificate programs).

Eastern New Mexico University

Foundation One-time Workforce Development Grants Disaster Preparedness & Relief Grants

Funding Amount

$63,000

Deadline

Deadline not published

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: One-time opportunity
Tracked since: April 2026

Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Eligible organizations

Students seeking construction trades training
Adults and high school students (certificate programs)

Other requirements

Workers displaced by McBride Fire

Overview

Geographic Scope: Ruidoso, New Mexico / Lincoln County

Program Focus: Workforce development in construction trades; disaster recovery

Program Description

Funding to support workforce training and upskilling in construction trades, specifically designed to address the need for skilled workers following the McBride Fire of April 2022. The grant accelerates training options for workers seeking Building Trades certification aligned to National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) standards.

Key Components

Accelerated training programs for construction trades
NCCER Core Introduction to Basic Construction Skills certificate
NCCER Level 1 Certifications (planned expansion)
Electrician apprenticeship courses (evenings: Monday and Wednesday)
HVAC and plumbing training (planned)
Support for displaced workers and students
Industrial trainers, materials, and tools provision

What Funding Covers

Tuition
Course fees
Textbooks
Materials
Other student support services
Grant administration
Instructor and contractor services
Job connections through NM Workforce Connection

Eligibility

Workers displaced by McBride Fire
Students seeking construction trades training
Adults and high school students (certificate programs)

Contact Information

Director of Career and Technical Education: John Rucker
Phone: 575-315-1137
Email: John.Rucker@enmu.edu
Institution: ENMU-Ruidoso
Location: 709 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM 88345

Background

Following the destructive McBride Fire in April 2022, over 200 structures including residences and commercial businesses burned in Ruidoso. Many employers were struggling to find reliable, skilled workers before this event, but the need for construction trades expanded significantly. A 2020 Labor Market Index identified Construction as a top 5 industry by employment numbers and among the top 6 industries with largest projected growth in the region. The skilled construction trades offer some of the region's most in-demand careers with great earning potential and high-quality career pathways without large student debt loads.