HBI/Lowe's Building Careers Scholarship
In 2004, HBI and Lowe's Home Improvement partnered to establish the HBI/Lowe's Building Careers Scholarship, providing financial assistance to qualified graduates seeking careers in the industry.
Lowe’s has donated $50,000 every year since the scholarship’s inception, helping more than 40 graduates annually. Here are some of their stories:
Facilities Maintenance Graduate Overcomes Hurdles
A native of Jamaica, Rohan Honeyghan entered the HBI pre-apprentice facilities maintenance program at Westover Job Corps. Despite successfully graduating with strong trade skills and leadership qualities, his thick accent seemed to be a hindrance in job interviews and securing living arrangements. After recommendations from the New England Consortium Liaison, Next Step Living hired him as a weatherization specialist. He was awarded the Lowe’s Scholarship, which assisted him in his move from a hotel to his own apartment closer to work. Now Rohan is enjoying his new career and shorter commute!
Carpentry Graduate Climbs the Ladder
Lamar Dublin grew up in a section of Philadelphia that was infested with crime and drugs. Despite challenges, Lamar earned his high school diploma, graduated from the HBI pre-apprentice carpentry program at Harper’s Ferry Job Corps, and secured a weatherization position. He was awarded a Lowe’s Scholarship, which was needed to be successful working in the city. Since then Lamar took a position as an entry-level carpenter at Bell Remediation where he was promoted to a supervisory role. He also earned his Lead Abatement Worker Certification and is working toward his Lead Abatement Supervisor Certification. Now Lamar is looking for a home of his own to enjoy with his family!
Electrical Graduate Shines
Yasmin Hansin, enrolled in the HBI pre-apprentice electrical program at Fred G. Acosta Job Corps with dreams of starting her own business. Encouraged by her sister who graduated from the Phoenix Job Corps Center, Yasmin’s drive and dedication led her to complete OSHA 10-Hour training, become forklift certified, attend Pima Community 
College and successfully graduate from the HBI electrical program. She was nominated and awarded a Lowe’s Scholarship, which she needed to get her career started while simultaneously supporting her family. Retro-Tech Systems Inc. (RTS)— a national leader in energy-efficient lighting systems—hired her as a retro-fit installer with a strong base pay. She is the first female HBI graduate hired by RTS!