Dow launches BuildFreedom.US, announces $10 million skilled trades investment with Mike Rowe to forge the next-generation industrial workforce

The Department of War today announced the launch of the Build Freedom workforce development initiative, with Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey set to present a $10 million investment to skilled trades advocate Mike Rowe in support of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation Scholarship program.

“On behalf of everyone at the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, I’m honored to accept this donation from BuildFreedom.US. Every penny will be spent on training the next generation of skilled workers for a long list of essential jobs – specifically the hundreds of thousands of good jobs currently open in the defense industrial base,” said Mike Rowe, CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation. “Closing America’s skills gap has become a matter of national security, and initiatives like BuildFreedom.US are precisely what our country needs to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce. I’m excited to participate in this effort and looking forward to helping thousands of Americans get the training they need to start a meaningful career in the skilled trades.”

Created through the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program, BuildFreedom.US is a national initiative designed to address critical talent shortages across the defense industrial base. The program brings together government, industry, and educational institutions to elevate awareness of purpose-driven careers and provide scholarships for Americans pursuing high-paying, AI-proof jobs in the skilled trades.

“America’s strength has always been forged by people who build, manufacture, and innovate,” said Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. “BuildFreedom.US will bridge talent with opportunity to build meaningful careers, ensuring our workforce is ready for the challenges of tomorrow.”

Officials described the announcement as a key step in expanding workforce pathways for students, young adults, veterans, and transitioning service members. By empowering the next generation of builders, makers, and innovators, the department aims to bolster manufacturing capacity, economic resilience, and long-term national security.