DEWALT® Invests in the Future of Skilled Trades: $200,000 in Scholarships Awarded to Rising Professionals Across the U.S. and Canada

Rhea-AI Summary

DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand (NYSE: SWK), awarded $200,000 in scholarships to 40 trade students across the U.S. and Canada. The awards support nine skilled trades through DEWALT's Grow the Trades initiative, a planned $60 million investment in trades education by 2030.

News Market Reaction – SWK

-2.47%

-2.47% Session close to close

In the May 11 session, SWK declined 2.47%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement highlights DEWALT’s continued focus on workforce development, awarding $200,000 in...

Analysis

This announcement highlights DEWALT’s continued focus on workforce development, awarding $200,000 in scholarships to 40 students and tying into its broader $60 million Grow the Trades commitment by 2030. It reinforces SWK’s recent theme of supporting skilled trades and innovation, alongside prior DEWALT initiatives and recognition for innovation. Investors monitoring this narrative may focus on how such programs support brand strength, talent pipelines, and alignment with long-term tools and construction demand.

Key Figures

Scholarship amount: $200,000 Scholarship recipients: 40 students Grow the Trades investment: $60 million +5 more

8 metrics

Scholarship amount $200,000 Scholarships awarded to rising trades professionals

Scholarship recipients 40 students Number of students across U.S. and Canada

Grow the Trades investment $60 million Trades education investment commitment by 2030

Critical trades 9 trades Number of trades represented by 2026 scholarship recipients

Program year 2026 Current scholarship cohort year

Brand history 100+ years DEWALT history powering construction tools and technologies

Founding year 1843 Year Stanley Black & Decker was founded

Employee count 43,500 employees Global workforce supporting tools and outdoor portfolio

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Apr 29 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Apr 29	1Q 2026 earnings	Positive	-3.1%	Reported 1Q results, raised GAAP EPS guidance, detailed divestiture proceeds.
Apr 24	Dividend & buyback	Positive	+4.2%	Announced $0.83 dividend and $500M share repurchase authorization.
Apr 23	AI skills gap study	Positive	+0.4%	DEWALT survey on AI skills gap and $75K grant tied to $60M initiative.
Apr 20	Tariff impact update	Positive	+5.3%	Stated Section 232 tariff changes not expected to impact 2026 guidance materially.
Apr 07	Innovation ranking	Positive	-0.5%	Recognized as a top innovative company with highlighted DEWALT product advances.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent company-specific news often produced modest single-day moves, with a mix of aligned and divergent reactions versus the apparent news tone.

Recent Company History

Over the past month, SWK has reported diverse developments. On Apr 29, strong 1Q 2026 results and raised GAAP EPS guidance were followed by a -3.12% move. A dividend declaration and $500M buyback authorization on Apr 24 coincided with a +4.2% gain. DEWALT-focused initiatives, including an AI skills-gap survey and a $60M Grow the Trades commitment, drew smaller moves. Recognition among America’s Most Innovative Companies and commentary on Section 232 tariffs also shaped sentiment. Today’s scholarship announcement fits the ongoing workforce and innovation narrative around DEWALT.

Key Terms

hvac

1 terms

hvac technical

"Cory Arant transitioned from military service to the skilled trades, pursuing an HVAC apprenticeship"

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning — the systems that control temperature, airflow and indoor air quality in buildings. Investors care because HVAC drives operating costs, energy use, tenant comfort and regulatory compliance; like the engine and insulation of a building, efficient modern systems can lower bills, reduce repair and replacement spending, and preserve property value, while outdated units can create unexpected expenses and vacancy risk.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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TOWSON, Md., May 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DEWALT^®, a Stanley Black & Decker brand (NYSE: SWK) and leader in jobsite solutions, is proud to announce it has awarded $200,000 in scholarships to 40 students across the U.S. and Canada. This annual initiative underscores DEWALT's ongoing commitment to closing the skilled trades gap and empowering the next generation through its Grow the Trades program, a $60 million investment in trades education by 2030.

"As the demand for skilled tradespeople continues to rise, it's essential to invest in the next generation of professionals who will build our communities and drive progress," said James Oh, President and General Manager of DEWALT. "We are proud to support the next generation of tradespeople through scholarships that help remove barriers and create opportunities."

This year's scholarship recipients represent the future of nine critical trades - including electrical, carpentry, construction, HVAC, welding, and more - reflecting the vital roles these professions play in shaping our communities.

2026 Scholarship Recipient Spotlights

Cory Arant – HVAC
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Cory Arant transitioned from military service to the skilled trades, pursuing an HVAC apprenticeship focused on both residential and commercial systems. "It was an easy decision to seek a career in HVAC," said Arant. "A career in HVAC means support for my community in the winter and comfort in the summer. It helps hospitals move clean air and schools provide warmth. That is why I have decided to seek a career in this field."

Allison Reiter – Welding
Allison "Allie" Reiter discovered her passion for welding on her family farm in Ohio and quickly excelled in her high school program. She is now enrolled at Western Welding Academy in pursuit of a career that will take her across the country working on pipelines, oil rigs and power plants. "I had a hobby that grew into a career," said Reiter. "I can't wait to dive into this career path and continue growing my knowledge and passion for this trade."

Jacob Davis – Electrical Technician
Jacob Davis is currently enrolled at Laurel Technical Institute in Uniontown, PA, pursuing a career as an electrical technician. "Trade school fits my strengths and gives me a clear direction for my future. I am motivated to finish strong, graduate, and start building a career I can be proud of," said Davis.

Audry Ford – Welding
Audry Ford's passion for welding began at the Heavy Metal Summer Experience camp, a DEWALT-sponsored program, and continues at Lincoln Tech in Texas, where she excels in welding, pipefitting and fabrication. "Learning welding has opened so many doors for me," said Ford. "I feel as though learning these skills will give me the opportunity to gain employment that pays a fair living wage."

To learn more about DEWALT's Trades Scholarship program and Grow the Trades initiative, visit: www.dewalt.com/growthetrades.

About DEWALT
DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, is a leader in total jobsite solutions. For more than 100 years, DEWALT has been powering the future of construction with tools and technologies that have been designed, built and tested to help deliver safety and productivity on every jobsite. For more information, visit www.dewalt.com or follow DEWALT on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Stanley Black & Decker
Founded in 1843 and headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is a worldwide leader in Tools and Outdoor, operating manufacturing facilities globally. The Company's approximately 43,500 employees produce innovative end-user inspired power tools, hand tools, storage, digital jobsite solutions, outdoor and lifestyle products, and engineered fasteners to support the world's builders, tradespeople and DIYers. The Company's world class portfolio of trusted brands includes DEWALT®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, BLACK+DECKER®, and Cub Cadet®. To learn more, visit www.stanleyblackanddecker.com or follow Stanley Black & Decker on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X. 

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SOURCE DEWALT

FAQ

What did DEWALT (NYSE: SWK) announce about its 2026 trades scholarships?

DEWALT announced it awarded $200,000 in scholarships to 40 trade students across the U.S. and Canada. According to DEWALT, this annual program supports students in nine critical trades, helping reduce barriers to training and careers in fields like HVAC, electrical, and welding.

How does DEWALT's Grow the Trades program support skilled trades education by 2030?

Grow the Trades is DEWALT’s initiative to invest $60 million in trades education by 2030. According to DEWALT, the program includes scholarships, partnerships, and training support aimed at closing the skilled trades gap and empowering the next generation of trades professionals in North America.

Who is eligible for the DEWALT trades scholarships mentioned in the 2026 SWK news?

The 2026 DEWALT scholarships went to 40 students pursuing careers in nine skilled trades, including HVAC, welding, electrical, and construction. According to DEWALT, recipients include trade school students and apprentices in the U.S. and Canada preparing for essential jobsite roles.

Which skilled trades are highlighted in DEWALT's 2026 scholarship awards?

The 2026 DEWALT scholarships highlight nine trades, including electrical, carpentry, construction, HVAC, and welding. According to DEWALT, featured recipients range from HVAC apprentices and electrical technician students to welding students training for work on pipelines, oil rigs, power plants, and fabrication projects.

Where can students learn more about DEWALT's Grow the Trades scholarships for 2026?

Students can learn more about DEWALT’s Trades Scholarship program and Grow the Trades initiative at www.dewalt.com/growthetrades. According to DEWALT, this site provides details on the scholarship program, eligibility information, and updates on ongoing investments in skilled trades education through 2030.