Founded in 2011 by Gary Sinese who gained fame as Lt. Dan in Forest Gump. This organization honors veterans, first responders, and their families through a variety of programs and has a dedicated “Educating the Next Generation” initiative that takes students on immersive trips to national museums and memorials. It also provides scholarships and career guidance for children of fallen or wounded service members, helping young adults pursue college or trade paths after high school.

Founded in 2008 by Mike Rowe star of Dirty Jobs. This foundation focuses on closing the skills gap by changing perceptions of the trades and awarding “Work Ethic” scholarships to young men and women pursuing training in skilled careers. “We want people to understand the impact of skilled labor on their lives, and we’re convinced that the solution has to start with a new appreciation for hard work.”

Cofounded in 2016 by Adam Savage of MythBusters fame. This nonprofit supports the maker movement — makerspaces, innovation hubs, and creative entrepreneurs — by building community, sharing resources, and advocating for access. Its work helps young adults and students explore multiple pathways including workforce training, entrepreneurship and technical education through hands-on making and design.

The Nine-month Comprehensive is designed for aspiring professional furniture makers who seek in-depth training at the highest standard of excellence. The hands-on, project-oriented format includes the full range of furniture making skills. Sequential projects take students from the fundamentals through the fine points of design and craftsmanship. The Next Generation Scholarship Endowment assists the most promising candidates, regardless of means. The Comprehensive’s Lead Instructor is Philip Morley. For each project, the Lead is joined by a co-teacher who specializes in the relevant skills.

Design Foundation was established by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) in 2001. They support aspiring designers’ transition from higher education into professional practice and beyond. Both organizations are advocates for the field of industrial design and maintain efforts aimed at raising awareness among the general public of industrial design as a necessary and respected career. Scholarship tuition assistance to a diverse pool of talented design students at the earliest stages of their design careers. Also funds attendance for national trade events.