Strategic
Investments include support for SkillsUSA, establishment of a Roofing Industry
Center and more.
(Rosemont, IL) Aug. 8, 2024 — The Roofing Alliance proudly
announces the approval of several key funding projects, including a significant
three-year commitment to support the SkillsUSA Initiative and the
groundbreaking development of a Roofing Industry Center in partnership with
Clemson University. Additionally, funding was allocated to sustain ongoing
initiatives, such as the long-standing collaboration with Ronald McDonald House
Charities, the continued development of a specialized roofing curriculum in conjunction
with Clemson University, critical sustainability research, and the hosting of
its annual Construction Management Student Competition, among other vital
projects.
One of the most notable achievements is that Roofing
Alliance leadership approved a three-year funding package to advance the
SkillsUSA Initiative. This partnership between educators and trade industries
is designed to cultivate a future skilled workforce with a focus on roofing,
offering students the opportunity to showcase their abilities in this premier
vocational competition. The funding will play a pivotal role in positioning
roofing as a leading career path within the construction industry.
Leadership also approved funding for the creation of a
Roofing Industry Center housed at Clemson University. This Roofing Industry
Center is set to launch innovative workforce development programs aimed at
engaging students from middle school through high school and into two-year
institutions, including community colleges, technical schools, and trade
programs. The Roofing Industry Center will also focus on advancing research
initiatives that improve roofing system application methodologies, with an emphasis
on safety and effectiveness. Initial funding will be directed toward the
development and implementation phases of the Roofing Industry Center, laying
the groundwork for a transformative impact on the roofing industry.
The Roofing Alliance also reaffirmed its ongoing partnership
with Clemson University to expand its roofing curriculum, which is now
available to construction management programs nationwide and as an online
certificate program for industry professionals. This collaboration also
includes a three-year project to document the current state of sustainability
and resiliency within the roofing industry, ultimately leading to the creation
of a fourth course in the roofing curriculum and the development of a Roofing
Minor. Arizona State University (ASU) has also been awarded funding for the
service and maintenance of a PhD research program, developed in collaboration
with several industry professionals. In alignment with its educational mission,
the Roofing Alliance will continue to support and fund its annual Construction
Management Student Competition held at the International Roofing Expo (IRE) and
the highly regarded Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award program.
In the spirit of community service and philanthropy, the
Roofing Alliance remains steadfast in its support of Ronald McDonald House
Charities. The roofing industry has collectively contributed labor and
materials valued at over $3 million, covering everything from roof system
inspections and essential maintenance to repairs and complete roof
replacements. Furthermore, through the Helping Our Own Program, the Roofing
Alliance has allocated funding for the second phase of the Vinny Abbondanza
Pavilion—a memorial project honoring the legacy of former OMG, Inc. employee
and industry veteran Vinny Abbondanza.
About the Roofing Alliance
The Roofing Alliance serves as a catalyst for innovation,
bringing together a dedicated community of over 200 roofing professionals from
across the industry. With a commitment exceeding $16 million, the Roofing
Alliance funds essential research and training initiatives, fosters educational
advancement through its construction management programs and the esteemed
Melvin Kruger Scholarship Program, and leads critical workforce development
initiatives. It also recognizes outstanding contributions through the Most
Valuable Player Awards Program and champions philanthropic outreach through its
impactful partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities®. For more
information about becoming a Roofing Alliance member, please contact Alison L.
LaValley, CAE, Executive Director, at alavalley@nrca.net.
