National Veterans Transition Services Awarded Over $980,000 Grant from BlackRock Future BuildersTM to Expand Skilled Trades Careers in San Diego
National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. (NVTSI), operating as REBOOT, today announced over $980,000 in support through BlackRock Future Builders, a national philanthropic initiative funded by The BlackRock Foundation to train and support 50,000 American workers as they pursue careers in the skilled trades. BlackRock Future Builders is designed to help meet the country’s growing demand for skilled workers while expanding access to careers that can provide pathways to lasting financial security.
The grant will help REBOOT launch Operation Future Builders, San Diego’s first integrated military-to-infrastructure trades pipeline for transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses. The program aims to enroll 300 participants over two years, converting military experience into a Trades Readiness Profile through its VeteranMatch/ApprenticeMatch technology. It will then match 250 participants with registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, community college trades programs and employer-posted skilled-trades roles. With thousands of service members transitioning to civilian life in San Diego each year, these efforts will help participants translate their military experience into civilian careers while addressing California’s demand for workers in skilled trades.
“San Diego loses too many talented veterans because they lack a coordinated bridge from military service into civilian careers that can sustain them and their families in this region,” said Maurice D. Wilson, President and Executive Director of National Veterans Transition Services. “With support from The BlackRock Foundation, Operation Future Builders will reach service members before separation, translate their military experience, connect them with skilled-trades training and apprenticeships, and support them through employment and retention. Our goal is not simply job placement—it is helping veterans build lasting careers and remain part of the San Diego community.”
National Veterans Transition Services is one of 15 organizations to be selected from more than 1,000 applications for grants nationwide. BlackRock Future Builders partnered with Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit with workforce development expertise, to support the application review process.
“Skilled trades careers create pathways to economic opportunity and financial wellbeing for individuals, families, and ultimately, communities,” said Claire Chamberlain, President of The BlackRock Foundation. “Through BlackRock Future Builders, we’re proud to partner with National Veterans Transition Services as it expands access to training and helps more people in San Diego gain the skills and experience needed to build lasting careers.”
The broader BlackRock Future Builders initiative launched in March 2026 as a $100 million, five-year philanthropic effort funded by The BlackRock Foundation. Through its first national RFP, BlackRock Future Builders has expanded into new communities across the U.S. and is supporting organizations in over a dozen skilled trades.
About National Veterans Transition Services, Inc.
National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. (NVTSI), operating as REBOOT, is a San Diego-based nonprofit organization helping transitioning service members, veterans and military families successfully navigate the transition from military to civilian life. Since 2010, NVTSI has provided reintegration, career-readiness, employment navigation and community support through the REBOOT Workshop, VeteranMatch and an extensive network of military, workforce, education and community partners. Learn more at www.nvtsi.org.
About BlackRock
BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate.
About The BlackRock Foundation
Guided by BlackRock’s purpose to help more and more people experience financial well-being, The BlackRock Foundation funds and partners with organizations that strengthen financial security by helping people earn, save and invest – earlier, more often and for their futures.
