The esteemed Building Value Construction Training Program exists because of a community of partners who believe in the power of people, opportunity, and the skilled trades. In 2026, we are especially grateful to recognize Toyota Boshoku America and the Merus Foundation for their generous support and continued investment in the future of our participants.

A Visit from Toyota Boshoku America

We were recently honored to welcome staff members from Toyota Boshoku America to Building Value for a tour of our store and a closer look at our Construction Training Program. Their visit provided a wonderful opportunity to share the impact of our work and celebrate a partnership that continues to make a meaningful difference.

Toyota Boshoku America recently renewed its $10,000 commitment to support our Construction Training Program, following an earlier $10,000 gift that had an immediate impact on our operations and participants. That initial funding helped provide essential personal protective equipment (PPE) for trainees, ensuring they could learn and work safely and professionally, while also supporting critical improvements to our loading dock.

As a global leader in automotive interior systems with a strong commitment to sustainability and human development, Toyota Boshoku America understands the importance of investing in people. Their continued support helps community members gain the skills, confidence, and credentials needed to pursue long-term careers in the construction trades.

Expanding Opportunities for Women in the Trades

We are also proud to announce that Building Value has received a generous 2026 grant from the Merus Foundation. This partnership directly supports our mission of building the construction industry workforce, with a special focus on increasing women’s participation in commercial construction careers and creating pathways to the middle class through the skilled trades.

The need for this work is clear. Nationally, women represent only a small fraction of the skilled trades workforce. At Building Value, however, 18% of our Construction Training Program participants are women—more than four times the national industry average.

Over the past year:

• 61 people enrolled in our Construction Training Program
• 32 participants graduated
• 32 graduates entered long-term construction careers

Behind these numbers are powerful personal stories.

 

Stronger Together

The support of Toyota Boshoku America and Merus Foundation demonstrates the incredible impact that thoughtful partnerships can have on our community. One partner is helping ensure our trainees have the resources and infrastructure needed to succeed; the other is helping expand access and opportunity for women entering the skilled trades. Together, their investments strengthen our ability to prepare the next generation of construction professionals.

On behalf of everyone at Building Value, thank you to Toyota Boshoku America and the Merus Foundation for your continued belief in our mission. Your generosity is creating safer training environments, opening doors to new careers, and helping build a stronger, more inclusive workforce for our region.

We look forward to continuing this important work together and celebrating the successes of the many participants whose lives are being transformed through these partnerships.