Aligned Data Centers Donates $100,000 to mikeroweWORKS Foundation to Support Skilled Trades Workforce Development

Aligned Data Centers has announced a $100,000 donation to the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, reinforcing the company's commitment to addressing the growing skilled labor gap in critical infrastructure sectors. The contribution supports the Foundation's work ethic scholarship programs that provide training and certifications for careers in welding, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and other trades essential for data center construction and maintenance.

Michael Morris, Chief Development Officer of Aligned Data Centers, emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership, stating that the need for skilled trade professionals in data center infrastructure is growing rapidly. The donation represents a direct investment in the future workforce required to build, operate, and maintain the complex, high-performance data centers that power AI, cloud, and enterprise applications. This initiative aligns with Aligned's broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives focused on education, community development, and sustainable industry practices.

Mike Rowe, founder of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, expressed gratitude for Aligned's support, noting that the contribution helps make this their largest scholarship program to date. The Foundation, dedicated to challenging misconceptions about skilled trades and closing the skills gap, emphasizes that successful individuals consistently demonstrate hard work, determination, and respect for others—qualities that remain in high demand regardless of technological advancements. The scholarship program specifically targets individuals willing to learn high-demand skills and demonstrates commitment to rewarding strong work ethic in trade professions.

The partnership between Aligned Data Centers and mikeroweWORKS Foundation addresses a critical workforce development challenge facing the technology infrastructure sector. As digital transformation accelerates and demand for data center capacity grows, the availability of skilled tradespeople becomes increasingly vital for constructing and maintaining the facilities that support cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing workloads. This collaboration represents a practical approach to workforce development that connects educational opportunities with industry needs while promoting the dignity of skilled trade professions.