Mikeroweworks Foundation

“Mary sullivan is engaged by mr. Rowe's companies as his president and in house counsel and is paid a customary salary by mr. Rowe's companies for such services.”

“A copy of form 990 was distributed to the governing board for review prior to the filing of the return.”

“The organization does not make its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financials statements available to the public.”

“The mikeroweworks foundation, a california nonprofit public benefit corporation, works hard to debunk myths and misperceptions about the skilled trades and help close the skills gap. Our mission is two-fold: 1.) to serve as a pr vehicle that helps change the conversation around the trades and elevates trade opportunities; and 2.) to provide financial assistance to people getting trained for skilled jobs that are in demand. As ceo of the foundation, mike rowe speaks regularly about the country's dysfunctional relationship with work and challenges the persistent belief that a four-year degree is the best path for the most people. In february 2017, rowe testified before congress that the widening skills gap, the disappearance of vocational education, and the rise in college tuition are not problems but symptoms of what we value as a society. In may 2017, the foundation received scholarship america's dreams to success award for our work in technical and vocational education. And in june 2017, rowe spoke at skillusa's national leadership and skills conference in support of career technical education. At the foundation, we strive to highlight to the millions of opportunities that exist that do not require a four-year degree and challenge the prevailing definition of a "good job." we have also developed educational materials, like the s.w.e.a.t. (skill and work ethic aren't taboo) pledge and social media content, that call attention to the work ethos that embody skilled labor. We run the work ethic scholarship program annually to recognize people who embody hard work, personal responsibility, and a positivie attitude. We awarded approximately 249 work ethic scholarship recipients in 2017, with awards ranging from $500 to $16,000 per recipient. We have also helped facilitate the granting an excess of $175,000 in direct tuition credits, scholarships, and/or grants that supported like-minded skilled trade programs through partnerships with simpatico organizations, like skillsusa, project jumpstart, this old house, universal technical institute, the charles koch foundation, koch industries, and other organizations. In addition to public support raised through typical donation avenues, mrwf sells posters, books, and other items through its ebay store, encourages employers to match funds donated by its employees, and has also joined charity support networks, like amazonsmile, ebay for charity, and the paypal giving fund in order to further raise capital.”