The Central Minnesota Builders Association (CMBA) has established itself as its region’s local leading resource for homebuilding contractors and suppliers. However, the association’s commitment extends beyond its current membership and into the future, exemplified by its “Tools for Schools” program. This initiative encourages high school students to explore careers in the trades and fosters a skilled and prepared workforce for the future.
“The potential in young people today is amazing, and their future opportunities in the trades are bright!” said Wanda Schroeder, CMBA’s executive director. “The members of the CMBA want to ensure that Central Minnesota students will be equipped to discern the best fit for their future. Ultimately, this will benefit us — our community — as we will have skilled, intelligent and savvy workers and business owners in the trades.”
CMBA’s Tools for Schools program inspires high school students to explore various trades through hands-on experiences and community engagement. A cornerstone event of the program is the annual Bags for Tools bean bag tournament. This event serves as both a fundraiser and a collaborative effort that brings together students, instructors and industry professionals.
High school industrial tech students from Central Minnesota build the board sets used in the tournament, showcasing their craftsmanship in a contest that awards the best-crafted board set with a trophy. The event is open to the public, and school industrial tech instructors are encouraged to attend and network with CMBA members, including homebuilders, associates and suppliers. This interaction helps instructors understand the current needs of the industry and how best to guide their students toward successful careers in the trades.
According to Schroeder, the variety of trade careers students can explore is extensive.
“It’s not just commercial and residential construction workers; it’s electrical, heating, air conditioning, banking, closing companies — so many hands are involved in building homes and growing homeownership in the state of Minnesota,” she explained.
This breadth of opportunities is crucial because it underscores that students have many opportunities in the trades to achieve a successful and fulfilling career. For many students, working with their hands and engaging in practical, skilled trades is more appealing and suited to their strengths.
The impact of the Tools for Schools program is significant. On average, 20 to 30 high schools participate each year, with approximately 100 students per school benefiting from the program. This means that about 3,500 students annually are exposed to the latest tools and equipment, such as CNC routers, engravers, 3D printers, and a variety of hand-held battery-operated tools.
The financial support provided by the CMBA is substantial, with between $25,000 and $30,000 awarded annually. The most recent Bags for Tools tournament, held on June 20, raised over $15,000, contributing to a cumulative total of well over $100,000 over the years. These funds are used to purchase tools and equipment tailored to each school’s projects, from building Habitat for Humanity houses to constructing sheds and deer stands.
Schools also reach out to the CMBA throughout the year to request leftover building materials for various projects, such as shingles for dog houses built for the humane society or extra wiring for high school classes. This practice ensures that resources are maximized, and students gain valuable hands-on experience.
CMBA encourages community members to contribute to the Tools for Schools program, either through monetary donations or by donating used tools. The funds raised are kept within the region where CMBA members are located, maximizing the impact on the local community and ensuring the development of the next generation of skilled tradespeople.