Davis Memorial Foundation announces first recipients of SkillsUSA grants

Foundation adds SkillsUSA grants to promote the future of the roofing industry.

The Davis Memorial Foundation is proud to announce the inaugural recipients of the Davis SkillsUSA Grant as Mesa High School, sponsored by Tecta America Arizona, and Santa Clara High School, led by Mitch Posey, a dedicated instructor of Construction 1 and 2 classes at the school. Both received $2,500 grants to be used for participation in SkillsUSA roofing competitions. As the first foundation in roofing to award these grants, it marks a significant milestone in advancing roofing industry engagement through SkillsUSA, a nationwide program designed to foster career readiness and technical skills among students pursuing trades and crafts.

The roofing industry, led by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), has taken a critical step forward by joining the SkillsUSA competition as a sponsor and hosting the commercial roofing national competition. The goal of this initiative is to introduce roofing skills to a new generation of construction professionals. By facilitating student participation in SkillsUSA's national competition, the Davis Memorial Foundation aims to help ensure that the roofing trade remains vibrant and competitive by supporting vocational schools with grants to attend SkillsUSA roofing competitions. The foundation’s grants enable vocational schools to send their most talented students to local, regional and national roofing competitions, providing them with unparalleled opportunities to showcase their commercial roofing skills on a national stage.

“This new grant is very important to the Trustees of the Davis Memorial Foundation and the overall membership of Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). We are the first to provide this type of grant and we believe it is critical to help the schools and students with funding,” stated Davis Foundation Chairman and President of Tecta America Arizona Chuck Chapman. “It is also an honor to be associated with Mesa High School who Tecta supports in their efforts to train and prepare students for careers in the trades and specifically supporting their efforts to compete in the commercial roofing competitions at all levels with SkillsUSA. This is the future of our industry, and it is exciting to expand our philanthropic giving to these programs.”

The Davis Memorial Foundation is committed to expanding its support to high schools and vocational institutions, encouraging more students to pursue careers in roofing. By supporting roofing skills within the SkillsUSA competition, the foundation helps ensure the future of this vital industry while providing students with meaningful career pathways.

For more information about the Davis SkillsUSA Grant, eligibility and the application process, please visit wsrca.com/mpage/home.

About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is a national organization that empowers students by providing them with leadership opportunities, technical training and career readiness in various trades and industries. The annual National Leadership & Skills Conference is a premier event for showcasing the skills and talents of students from across the country.

About the Davis Memorial Foundation

The Davis Memorial Foundation was established in honor of Larry and Mary Davis, who dedicated their lives to advancing education within the roofing industry. Tragically lost in a 1995 airplane accident, their legacy lives on through the foundation's commitment to fostering education and industry growth. The foundation continues to support future leaders by funding scholarships and initiatives that promote career advancement in roofing and related trades. The Davis Memorial Foundation invites schools, industry professionals and supporters to participate in this transformative initiative to cultivate the next generation of roofing experts. Donations to the program are always encouraged.