During 2020, we participated in a panel discussion on the Building Bellingham Podcast with Chuckanut Builders & A1 Design Build about construction during the pandemic. The discussion quickly pivoted to equity, diversity and inclusion, specifically in the local building trades. As a group, the conversation continued even after the panel ended and eventually these discussions led to the creation of the Building Diversity Endowment.
Through this endowment, at Bellingham Technical College, funds will be made available to full-time, BIPOC students who reside in Whatcom or Skagit Counties and are working toward a degree in clean energy, welding, HVAC, AutoCAD or as an electrician. We were grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the effort that went into creating this endowment and are thankful for the continued partnerships with A1 Design Build and Chuckanut Builders. We are heartened and inspired by our fellow community members that continue to push for equity and recognize that there is still much work to be done.