WE Build Waterloo

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Funding Assistance for Workforce Certificate Programs
WE Build Waterloo

Breaking Down Barriers While Building Our Community

WE Build Waterloo provides financial support to Introduction to Construction Trades Quality Pre-Apprenticeship—a recognized program where students learn high-demand construction skills.

Students gain hands-on experience by working on real residential construction or renovation projects, all while earning industry-recognized certifications. These homes are later sold to local, lower-income families—creating a powerful ripple effect in our community.

How You Can Help

Time and Talent: Volunteer your professional skills—whether it’s electrical work, flooring, drywall, or mentoring students.
Supplies: Donate building materials, tools, and equipment to support training and projects.
Financial Support: Every donation helps cover program and building costs and expand access for more students.

Your Support Helps

Grow the talent pipeline in high-demand trades
Provide students access to self-sustaining wages through education
Connect learners with local employers
Strengthen our community through education, employment, and affordable housing

What You’ll Receive

Recognition as a valued program partner
Priority opportunity to meet and interview job-ready students
Your gift recognized by the Hawkeye Community College Foundation

WE Build Waterloo is made possible due to the generosity of people like you—invest in education, build community, and help shape a stronger workforce.

Make a Gift to WE Build Waterloo

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Supporting Our Community WE Build Waterloo

WE Build Waterloo is a community-based program that provides career training, career counseling, resume assistance, interview preparation, and team building and personal skills development for those with employment barriers.

Program Awards

2024 Iowa Finance Authority Innovation Award

WE Build Waterloo Introduction to Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program received the Innovation Award for advancing housing opportunities for Iowa.

2023 NCWE Exemplary Program Award Recipient

WE Build Waterloo was recognized and awarded the National Council for Workforce Education Exemplary Program Award for a Noncredit Workforce Development program based on their partnership and collaborations, economic impact, outcomes, and replication and scalability of their workforce program.

2023 National Center for Construction Education I BUILT THIS! Video Contest Winner

WE Build Waterloo won $5,000 in tools, gift cards, and apparel in the eighth annual I BUILT THIS! contest hosted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). The contest invited participants to showcase build projects on Instagram Reels and TikTok.

2021 Hawkeye Community College Peer Nominated President's Innovation Award

This award recognizes the efforts of full-time or part-time employees or groups of employees who exemplify the goals and mission of the college through their creation and implementation of innovative ideas.

2021 LERN International Award for the Category of Best Innovative Practice in Business & Industry

Hawkeye Community College's WE Build program was recognized by LERN for it's innovative practice in program development.

Our Donors

AmeriCorps Iowa Rosemont Companies Iowa's Certified Apprenticeship Programs: Earn and Learn

Otto Schoitz Foundation Max and Helen Guernsey Charitable Foundation Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa

Hawkeye Community College Foundation US Bank Foundation Lincoln Savings Bank

Dupaco RW Hoefer Foundation Midamerican Energy Company Campbell Supply Company

Sherwin Williams IFC Studios + Kut Kings Peters Construction Corporation

Ready to Learn More?

Connect with our Workforce Development Coordinator for details.

Contact Us

Workforce Training and Community Development

Automation and Robotics Center
TechWorks Campus
360 Westfield Ave
Waterloo, IA 50701

Map and Directions

319-296-4296
319-232-2751 (fax)

TTY: Relay Iowa is a telecommunications service providing full telephone accessibility to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and/or speech impaired.