TradesUp Inc. is becoming the PRO Workforce Foundation

TradesUp, which is becoming the PRO Workforce Foundation, presents two types of awards each year.

The Career JumpStart Award, which includes a tool package and an unrestricted $1,500 award, is presented to graduating high school seniors who have committed to entering the remodeling industry. 

The PRO Community Scholarship is presented to a graduating high school senior committed to pursuing education in a field related to remodeling and construction.

The criteria for selection may include, but are not limited to, academic achievement, community involvement, and the general essay from the application.  

The application deadline for both awards is Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 12:00 noon.

The Awards and Scholarships are funded through donations to support the educational goals of local youth, and both accelerated when Kim Marcotte established the James Marcotte Scholarship Fund in 2017.

 

Career JumpStart Award

CRITERIA

TradesUp/PRO Workforce Foundation will present a Career JumpStart Award to one or more graduating high school seniors who has committed to entering a career in the remodeling industry. The package includes both a basic toolset and a financial award intended to be used for training, tools, transportation, etc. The goal is to facilitate starting a career in the trades! The criteria used for selection may include but are not limited to academic achievement, community involvement, need, and the general essay from the application.

Award decisions made by the panel of judges are final.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Complete the application online or download a PDF to complete offline and submit by mail or email.

Timing: All applications must be postmarked or emailed no later than midnight on Sunday, May 10 at 12 noon, and must contain all requested information. Late/incomplete packages are automatically disqualified. Awardee(s) will be notified in May 2026.

PRO Member Scholarship

TradesUp/PRO Workforce Foundation will award one or more scholarships to a graduating high school senior committed to pursuing education in a field related to remodeling and construction.

The applicant must be the child or sibling of an employee at a PRO New England Member Company. The PRO New England Member Company needs to have been an active member for at least 12 months as of June 1st and be a member in good standing.

Scholarship money is intended to be used for educational purposes only. Candidates may only apply for one scholarship (either the PRO New England Member Scholarship, or the Career JumpStart Award, but not both).

The decision made by the panel of judges is final.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Complete the application online or download a PDF to complete offline and submit by mail or email.

Timing: All applications must be postmarked or emailed no later than midnight on Sunday, May 10 at 12 noon, and must contain all requested information. Late/incomplete packages are automatically disqualified. Awardee(s) will be notified in May 2026.

Mission of the Foundation

PRO Workforce Foundation, Inc’s mission is to build, develop, and support the skilled trades workforce in the remodeling industry.

Evolution of the Foundation

2026 – TradesUp, Inc has initiated the work to become the PRO Workforce Foundation in order to expand its mission and footprint.

2021 – TradesUp, Inc. becomes the new name of the Foundation.

2015 – EM NARI Foundation receives letter of determination from Internal Revenue Service

History of the Foundation

The EM NARI Foundation was originally established as part of the Eastern Massachusetts chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (EM NARI). Its initial purpose was to provide scholarship funding to graduating high school seniors connected to member companies of the association, supporting the next generation of students pursuing higher education and careers connected to the building and remodeling industries.

In 2014, the Foundation evolved into a separate charitable 501(c)(3) organization in order to create a clearer, more focused mission dedicated to workforce development and community support initiatives within the skilled trades. The founding board of the newly established organization included Jim Lavallee, Kathy DeMeyer, Dave Supple, Gary Morrison, and Bill Hardiman. Under this expanded mission, the Foundation broadened its efforts beyond traditional scholarships to address the growing need for skilled trades professionals across Massachusetts and New England.

At that time, the Foundation introduced a second scholarship specifically designed for students entering directly into the trades after high school graduation. The organization also began developing partnerships with Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at vocational technical high schools throughout Massachusetts. Through these partnerships, the Foundation helped connect students with career opportunities, including cooperative education placements and internships with companies in the residential remodeling and skilled trades industries.

In 2017, EM NARI and the Foundation experienced the loss of past president Jim Marcotte, affectionately known throughout the organization as “Jimmy.” As owner of Dovercraft, Jim represented the organization’s longest-standing contractor member company. Over several decades, he played a pivotal role in transforming EM NARI from primarily a trade networking association into an organization deeply committed to advancing professionalism, mentorship, education, and workforce development within the trades. Jim was instrumental in developing the organization’s mentorship program, was a steadfast supporter of Youth Remodeling Career Day, and consistently advocated for encouraging young people to pursue rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

In honor of Jim’s legacy and lifelong commitment to the industry, his wife Kim Marcotte made a significant contribution to the Foundation and established the James Marcotte Scholarship Fund. The scholarship was created to ensure a lasting commitment to supporting and promoting students entering the skilled trades following high school graduation.

Today, the organization continues this mission through its evolution into TradesUp, and soon to become the PRO Workforce Foundation, carrying forward its longstanding commitment to workforce development, career awareness, mentorship, scholarships, and strengthening the future of the skilled trades industry.