William & Elizabeth Charitable Fund for the Trades: Investing in the Workforce of Tomorrow
The William & Elizabeth Charitable Fund for the Trades was created in 2020 with one mission: to empower students pursuing careers in the trades, applied technology, apprenticeships, and nursing. By providing grants to programs that prepare individuals for hands-on, high-demand careers, this fund is ensuring that skilled professionals have the support and resources they need to succeed in Venango County.
Since its inception, the fund has awarded over $110,000 through 16 grants, directly benefiting 12 individual grantees and funding career-focused programs that make a lasting impact.
One such program is the Keystone Community Education Council’s Welding Technology Certificate Program, a hands-on training course that prepares students for high-demand careers in welding while earning college credit. Offered in partnership with the Community College of Allegheny County, this 18-credit program is held at the Venango Technology Center, giving students access to industry-standard equipment and professional instruction. The grant helped cover facility and equipment costs, ensuring students could gain real-world experience without financial barriers standing in the way.
“The welding program has shaped me into the person I am today. It taught me about the career I want to pursue along with many life skills.”
– Seth, 2025 Welding Technology Certificate Program Graduate
“The hours of practice I gained allowed me to acquire the skills necessary for welding qualifications.”
– Peyton, 2025 Welding Technology Certificate Program Graduate
For students like Max, this program wasn’t just about learning a trade—it was about preparing for life:
“It taught me how to show up on time and how to be professional. Benefiting my future in every way, I couldn’t be in a better place at a better time.”
How You Can Help
The William & Elizabeth Charitable Fund for the Trades is dedicated to creating opportunities for future tradespeople and skilled workers, but it relies on the generosity of donors to continue its impact.
💡 Donate Today: Contributions can be made online or by mailing a check.
📩 Contact BBCF: For more information, call (814) 677-8687.
Together, we can ensure that students in Venango County have access to career-focused education that leads to lifelong success.