Six-Figure Grant from Checkr.org Will Expand Skilled Trades Training and Employment through HBI-Operated Programs Across the US

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Home Builders Institute (HBI) and Checkr.org today announced HBI's first private philanthropic investment dedicated exclusively to justice-impacted individuals. The six-figure grant award from Checkr.org will expand access to construction workforce training, industry-recognized credentials, and employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals across both correctional facility and community-based programs nationwide.

This award represents a significant milestone for HBI. While the organization has delivered workforce training for justice-impacted populations for decades through government contracts and public-sector partnerships, this marks the first private philanthropic investment in HBI's history dedicated exclusively to advancing opportunities for justice-impacted individuals.

The investment supports HBI's life-changing work preparing justice-impacted individuals for successful careers in the skilled trades, helping participants gain the training, certifications, and support needed to secure long-term employment and economic mobility. The grant will benefit individuals currently incarcerated and preparing for reentry, as well as individuals rebuilding their lives in communities across the country following release.

For nearly 60 years, HBI has provided workforce development programs for underrepresented and high-barrier populations. The organization serves justice-impacted individuals through both correctional facility-based training and community reentry programs that combine technical instruction, workforce readiness, credential attainment, and employer engagement.

"At HBI, we've spent decades training people in prison and after release for careers in the trades, and we know it changes lives," said Ed Brady, President and CEO, Home Builders Institute. "Checkr.org is the first private funder to invest in this work specifically, and that matters. The construction industry has hundreds of thousands of open jobs. These are good jobs that pay well, and people coming home deserve a real shot at them. We're grateful to Checkr.org for helping us give them that shot."

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to reducing barriers to employment and creating pathways to stable, family-sustaining careers. Earlier this year, HBI and Checkr.org identified a strong alignment around workforce development, second-chance employment, and equitable access to meaningful careers for justice-impacted individuals. The partnership also reflects Checkr.org's interest in advancing second-chance employment opportunities in key geographies, including California and Colorado, while supporting HBI's broader national work with justice-impacted populations.

"Access to a good job can change the trajectory of a person's life," said Christina Louie Dyer, executive director of Checkr.org. "Through this grant, Checkr.org is helping HBI equip more people with the skills, credentials, and support they need to build lasting careers. We're honored to invest in that work and in the communities it strengthens."

About Home Builders Institute

Home Builders Institute (HBI) is the nation's leading nonprofit provider of skilled trades training, building careers and changing lives through hands-on, instructor-led training programs. For nearly 60 years, HBI has trained, certified, and placed more than 270,000 people in construction careers that pay a competitive wage and last a lifetime. Through industry-recognized curriculum, HBI reaches students in high schools, Job Corps centers, military installations, community organizations, correctional facilities, and its own academies across the country. Learn more at hbi.org

About Checkr.org

Checkr.org is a 501(c)(3) corporate foundation, supported by Checkr's 1% Pledge. We work to build stronger communities through fair chance hiring and protection from digital fraud, exploitation, and abuse.

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SOURCE Home Builders Institute (HBI)