skilled hands. strong minds. unstoppable futures.

Two construction workers, one inside and one outside a yellow excavator on a dirt site, both wearing bright safety vests.

Be Part of America’s Comeback Story

At Craftsman with Character®, we believe the future of America is built with skilled hands and strong minds. This isn’t just about jobs—it’s about giving young people a sense of purpose, belonging, and pride in work that truly matters. We’re on a mission to rewrite the story of the trades. These careers are the backbone of our country—innovative, essential, and worthy of respect. And with your support, we can ensure the next generation is ready to lead, build, and thrive.

This is what real opportunity looks like—watch below. ⬇️

Why This Matters

We all remember the moment when someone believed in us—when someone took the time to teach, guide, or open a door we didn’t even know existed. That’s exactly what Craftsman with Character® is doing every day. We’re not just teaching skills—we’re showing students that they belong, that their work has value, and that they have a future they can be proud of.

A Real Path Forward

For a lot of students, college isn’t the right fit—or the only option. But without exposure to real-world careers, they don’t always see the incredible opportunities waiting for them in skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, and industry careers. CWC changes that by connecting students with hands-on training, highly-skilled, experienced professionals, and real job opportunities that lead to stable, fulfilling careers.

The Power of Mentorship

Success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who shows you the way. The most successful people didn’t get there alone, and neither should our students. Through Craftsman with Character®, local business owners and skilled tradespeople step up as mentors—not just to teach skills, but to encourage, support, and believe in these students. A mentor is more than a teacher. They’re another trusted adult in a student’s life—someone from their own community who sees their potential and is cheering them on. They remind students that they belong, that they matter, and that their future is worth investing in. This isn’t just about filling jobs—it’s about lifting up the next generation and strengthening entire communities.

Rebuilding Respect for the Trades

Skilled trades aren’t a backup plan—they’re the foundation of everything. From the roads we drive on to the technology we rely on, America runs on the trades. It’s time we start treating them with the respect they deserve. By supporting Craftsman with Character®, you’re not just helping students—you’re strengthening industries, filling critical workforce gaps, and making sure the next generation is ready to lead, build, and thrive.

Two people wearing safety goggles standing in a workshop with machinery and tools in the background.

our impact

Since expanding beyond Edgerton, WI in 2022, we’ve enabled over:

  • 250 students gaining hands-on experience and mentorship

  • 60 businesses stepping up to invest in the next generation of skilled workers

  • 18 schools bringing real-world career opportunities to their students

And here’s the best part—more than 50% of students who complete the program choose an industry-related path. That could mean jumping straight into a job, starting an apprenticeship, enrolling in a dual-credit program, or continuing their education in the trades. For the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, there are over 35 schools that are active or onboarding the program.

This kind of exposure is already shaping the future workforce—helping more young people build careers in high-demand industries while strengthening the backbone of American industry.

With your support, we can take this even further—reaching more students, more schools, and more businesses.

Help Us Build The Future

  • Donate

    This is more than a donation—it’s your chance to shape the future. Your support helps bring the Craftsman with Character® program to more schools and communities, providing students with mentorship, hands-on training, and life-changing opportunities.

    Whether you give $10 or $10,000, your gift fuels growth and makes a lasting impact.

    Donate Now

  • Become a Corporate Sponsor

    Join leading companies across the country in investing in tomorrow’s workforce. Corporate sponsors provide critical funding to expand our reach—and gain recognition as champions of workforce development. For a detailed overview of sponsorship tiers and benefits, click here to view our Sponsorship Opportunities PDF.

    Ready to take the next step? Click below to email our Founder and Executive Director, Dave Hataj, and start your partnership today!

    Join Us as a Sponsor
A group of young people standing in front of a sign for Fairbanks Morse Defense, wearing safety glasses and casual clothing, smiling for a photo. Trees and a bus are visible in the background.
People welding a large piece of metal in a workshop, near heavy equipment and welding tanks.
Two people standing on an industrial platform, surrounded by pipes and machinery, with one person placing a hand on the other's shoulder.
A group of people in a modern conference room, with a man standing and presenting in front of a large screen that reads 'The Morse Group Turnkey Solutions Provider.' Attendees are seated at tables with monitors and computers, engaged in the presentat
Group of five students wearing green welding jackets, helmets, and gloves in a workshop with industrial equipment and overhead lights.
Group of people posing in a room with a Stoughton sign, holding certificates.

The Difference You’re Making.

Jakob I., Student

“Craftsman with Character was one of the most enjoyable yet educational experiences of my life, I really can't wait until every person in the U.S. has this opportunity!”

Ketchie, Inc.

“The Craftsman with Character curriculum made it easy and gave us the confidence to welcome high school students into our shop, allowing them to job shadow mentors and explore what a future in manufacturing could look like. The impact of this program has exceeded expectations—it's been just as rewarding for our team as it has been for the students, both personally and professionally.”

Carter S., Student

“I think it was a great opportunity to take the class and learn the different career options and what’s inside buildings that you drive by everyday and don’t know what they do.”

Steve J., High School Teacher

“I cannot have a higher regard for the Craftsman with Character program. The companies that fund it, the personnel that lead it and the students that participate in it are ALL winners in guaranteeing our domain in manufacturing regionally.”

Who taught You? Now It’s Your Turn.

Think back to the person who took a chance on you. Who showed you the ropes? Who believed in you when you didn’t yet believe in yourself?

At Craftsman with Character®, we’re bringing that same kind of mentorship to the next generation. Because when someone invests in you, it changes everything.