Truist Foundation Awards $37,000 Grant to Enzweiler Building Institute to Enhance Skilled Trades Training
COVINGTON, KY, JULY 15th 2025 – The Enzweiler Building Institute (EBI), operated by the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky (BIA NKY), is proud to announce it has received a $37,000 grant from Truist Foundation. The funding will support a series of capital improvements at EBI’s Covington location, a 10,000-square-foot trades training facility that has rapidly expanded to meet growing regional workforce needs.
The grant—awarded a part of Truist Foundation’s “Building Career Pathways to Economic Mobility” pillar—will fund critical infrastructure upgrades that will directly enhance the student learning experience and increase job readiness for adults training in the skilled trades.
Specifically, the grant will fund:
• Installation of ventilation, gas lines, and ductwork for the HVAC training room to make equipment fully functional for hands-on instruction.
• Construction of a raised platform for HVAC units—built by EBI’s carpentry students as a real-world learning opportunity.
• Purchase of a forklift for classroom support and student certification in forklift operation, a highly sought-after industry credential.
• Acquisition of two storage containers for safe material storage to accommodate the increase in students and supplies at the Covington site for regular programming as well as the Covington Academy of Heritage Trades.
“These upgrades are absolutely vital to advancing our mission of preparing students for successful careers in the construction industry,” said Brian Miller, Executive Vice President of BIA NKY. “The support from Truist Foundation allows us to bring hands-on learning to life and gives our students the tools they need to train with confidence and graduate ready for the workforce. This investment strengthens our ability to deliver training that leads to real jobs and economic advancement.”
Since opening the Covington location in 2023, EBI has increased its enrollment now serving over 150 students across programs including carpentry, HVAC, electric, masonry, welding, plumbing, facilities maintenance and the Covington Academy of Heritage Trades.
“At Truist, we believe in building better lives and communities,” said Billy Santos, Senior Vice President and Market President for Truist. “Supporting the Enzweiler Building Institute reflects our commitment to strengthening pathways to economic mobility and helping individuals gain meaningful, life-changing employment. Truist Foundation is proud to invest in the people and programs building a stronger future for Northern Kentucky.”
The Enzweiler Building Institute is one of the nation’s oldest continually operating association trades training programs. In partnership with other community stakeholders, EBI is meeting the region’s high demand for skilled workers—projected to exceed 65,000 new construction jobs over the next decade in Greater Cincinnati.
To learn more about the Enzweiler Building Institute and its training programs, visit www.buildinginstitute.com.
About Truist Foundation:
Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation’s leading initiatives – the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.
About Enzweiler Building Institute:
The Enzweiler Building Institute is a workforce training initiative of the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky, offering adult and youth trade education programs that prepare individuals for rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
PHOTO: Billy Santos, Market President of Truist Bank, presents a $37,000 check to Brian Miller, Executive Vice President of the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky, in support of workforce development and skilled trades education at the Enzweiler Building Institute.
###
