Roofing Alliance unveils 2024-25 funding initiatives

Strategic Investments include support for SkillsUSA, establishment of a Roofing Industry Center and more.

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.