CLA Foundation Teams Up with SkillsUSA to Drive U.S. Workforce Development Efforts

SkillsUSA:
Jane Short or Karen Kitzel, 703-777-8810
Email: jshort@skillsusa.org or kkitzel@skillsusa.org

New initiative elevates CLA’s commitment to education and career development

Leesburg, Va., Feb. 14, 2025 — The CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) Foundation is providing $500,000 in funding to SkillsUSA, the leading workforce development organization for students, to help develop the next generation of leaders and spark further exploration of trade careers.

CLA is committed to elevating careers in the U.S. by supporting organizations investing in meaningful change in the way they train and attract future professionals. Aligned with the CLA Foundation’s employment pillar, SkillsUSA will create practical learning opportunities within CLA’s office communities to support career development in construction, manufacturing, agribusiness, and other industries — focusing on life-sustaining alternate career pathways.  The CLA Foundation grant funds will expand the SkillsUSA Work-Based Learning program, creating user-friendly, sustainable systems and delivering industry-aligned experiences. Working together, we will work to bridge the skills gap, empower students to achieve career success and provide industries with the skilled talent they need.

“We are so appreciative of the CLA Foundation for this incredible support of our mission,” said Chelle Travis, executive director of SkillsUSA. “As America’s proud champion of the skilled trades, our mission to empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members has never been more important. Working with partners like the CLA Foundation, we can move more swiftly to increase awareness of the skilled trades for young people as they consider careers, ultimately helping to close the skills gap in the United States.”

Since 2015, the CLA Foundation has supported forward-thinking organizations across the U.S. focused on advancing education and job skills. “Education and career development are impactful drivers of growth, and we are thrilled to support  organizations that share our vision for strengthening communities through expanded access to resources,” said Paul Bailey, Chief Growth Officer for CLA. “The CLA Foundation donation is so much more than financial support.  SkillsUSA is directly creating opportunities to help us build the educational pipeline that will impact the industries we serve.”

Since its inception, the CLA Foundation has granted more than $13 million to professional and educational development in communities nationwide. The Foundation does not accept external grant proposals; all nominations originate from CLA family members and support the mission of connecting diverse networks to create career opportunities through education, employment and entrepreneurship.

About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 413,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 15 million members since its founding in 1965. Learn more at skillsusa.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

 About CLA

CLA exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. With nearly 9,000 people, more than 130 locations, and a global vision, we promise to know you and help you. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) is an independent network member of CLA Global. See CLAglobal.com/disclaimer. Investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.