Frequently Asked Questions

At GRIT, our mission is to reignite curiosity in the skilled trades—the “lost art” of building, fixing, and creating with your hands. Through hands-on experiences in HVAC-R, Electrical, Carpentry, and Plumbing, we connect young people with real tools and real professionals. With the guidance of experienced tradespeople, students get the chance to explore their potential, build confidence, and discover the value of learning by doing.

Host an Event: We’ll help you plan and launch a GRIT Camp or Workshop in your area.

Mentor or Volunteer: Skilled tradespeople can guide students throughout the camp. To ensure a safe learning environment, all mentors must pass a background check before participating.

Donate: Charitable Contributions directly support materials, resources, and program expansion.

The best starting place is to complete our interest form and we will reach out to you.

Yes. The GRIT Foundation is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

EIN (Tax ID): 33-1405549
IRS Determination Date: October 9, 2024
Public Charity Status: 170(b)(1)(A)(vi)

All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Visit www.thegritfoundation.com to join our mailing list.

Email us at: leilani@thegritfoundation.com or abby@thegritfoundation.com

GRIT Camps are one-day, hands-on experiences for students ages 12–17 to discover the skilled trades. Guided by experienced tradespeople, students explore real skills in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry—working with actual tools in authentic settings like contractor shops or training facilities.

Hosting a GRIT Camp means recruiting mentors (skilled tradespeople) and students (local youth) for a one-day, hands-on event. Plan 10–16 weeks ahead. Contractors, skilled trades professionals, and trades educators can collaborate to host a camp, with GRIT providing planning support, training guidance, and essential student supplies such as PPE and hand tools.

Hosts coordinate the venue, tools, materials, background checks, and participant recruitment with GRIT. Camp dates may be confirmed before mentor training is complete. The approximately three-hour mentor course is required for mentors and encouraged for the Host and Host Facilitator. Aim to finish six weeks before camp; the firm deadline is three weeks before camp. If required training is incomplete at that deadline, postpone the camp and notify students and parents.

Camps serve up to 16 students, with no more than two students per assigned mentor, plus at least one floater and a separate Education Lead. The number of mentors depends on student enrollment; there is no fixed six-mentor requirement. Begin student recruitment 6–8 weeks before camp and close registration two weeks before camp to allow time for badges and student materials.

A sample build is entirely optional; the Host decides whether and when to complete it and provides its materials. GRIT ships student items and participant badges 1–2 weeks before camp. GRIT sends two reminder emails, at two weeks and 5–7 days before camp. Allow 45–60 minutes for the lunch session and module together.

Students learn real-world skills like safety practices, blueprint reading, tool use, carpentry, plumbing, brazing, and building electrical circuits—all through hands-on modules led by skilled trades professionals.

GRIT Workshops are hands-on learning experiences that connect students and professionals with the skilled trades.

GRIT offers three workshops, each designed to last two hours. GRIT travels to host locations, and hosts can discuss scheduling up to two sessions per day. Workshops suit classrooms, training centers, contractors, manufacturers, and other industry spaces.

Hosting a GRIT Workshop means recruiting students, coordinating the location, and arranging the materials for the selected workshop with GRIT. Start by meeting with GRIT to discuss the workshop, audience, and logistics.

We recommend 4–6 weeks of preparation, with timing negotiable with GRIT. Each workshop is designed to last two hours, and hosts can discuss up to two sessions per day.

Workshops are recommended for up to 20 students per session. Volunteers do not count toward that number, and the host may choose how many volunteers to involve.