Tools for Schools

In 2026, the Central Minnesota Builders Association (CMBA) allocated over $30,000 to high schools across Central Minnesota with the objective of equipping students with updated tools and educational resources related to careers in the trades. Our primary fundraiser for this initiative, the Bags for Tools event held in June, successfully raised more than $17,000. Additional funding was secured through our Home Show silent auction, which featured items crafted by students, as well as various member events, including the Golf and Sporting Clay shoot. We encourage you to support the growth of these programs and contribute to the development of our future workforce by donating to this worthy cause today, ultimately fostering a brighter future for the next generation of workers. The Tools for Schools Fund is the brain-child of the former CMBA President, Craig Schoenberg of Schoenberg Construction.

The potential in young people today is amazing and their future is bright! The members of the CMBA believe this and want to ensure that construction trades students will be better equipped to discern the best fit for their future.  Ultimately, this will benefit us – our community - as we will have skilled, intelligent and savvy workers and business owners in the trades. 

How do you define a tool?  Of course, it could be a hammer, drills, table saw, and power tools - and it could also be a calculator, a computer program, knowledge, experience...  A tool is anything used as a means of accomplishing a task or purpose.  Such as education is a tool for success.  The Central Minnesota Builders Association (CMBA) Tools For Schools Committee wishes to renovate the term “Tools”.

CMBA Tools for Schools Fund Highlights

• • Providing the annual Tools For Schools grants to area schools
  • To date, the CMBA provided nearly $300,000 to area schools through the Tools for Schools Fund 

CMBA Tools for Schools Fund Goals

The goal of this initiative is for the current members of the CMBA to connect.

• Connect with the public to raise money for specific projects.
• Connect necessary tools with classrooms.
• Connect with students through speaking engagements in classes.
• Connect with Advisors and Counselors to better aide them in guiding the students.
• And finally, connect the CMBA to the future workforce.

Contact us regarding an application for Tools for Schools Grant - High School Industrial Technology instructors.