Carhartt Awards $100,000 Grant to Skilled Workers

Carhartt is still for workers. Earlier this week in Dearborn, Michigan, the brand revealed its newest initiative, the “Steel Apple Awards.” The awards, which are an extension of the brand’s “For the Love of Labor” program, aim to honor educators and the next generation of skilled workers.

“The mentors who dedicate their careers to training the next generation of tradespeople aren’t just teachers—they’re builders of futures, role models of excellence and champions of craftsmanship for all hardworking people,” said Todd Corley, Senior Vice President of Inclusion, Sustainability, and Community at Carhartt, in a statement. “At Carhartt, we take pride in celebrating the exceptional educators who inspire and make a significant impact on their students’ growth and learning – both in the classroom and as they embark on their careers.”

For the inaugural Steel Apple Awards, the brand recognized five outstanding skilled educators: Matthew Bracey, Aaron Haselwood, Robert “Bobby” Pease, Bryan Suarez, and Jennifer McNally. In addition to recognition, each honoree will receive $10,000 for their classrooms and a tailored workwear package. Students of each teacher will also receive full sets of brand-new Carhartt gear.

The “For the Love of Labor” program was initially founded in 2020. Since then, it has awarded nearly $3 million USD in grants. For the Spring 2025 grant, Carhartt will award $100,000 to the National Center of Construction Education & Research (NCCER), a nonprofit education that is at the forefront of construction, training, assessment, credentials, research, and career development programs.