Our Purpose

We help young adults build confidence, purpose, and a path toward meaningful careers in the construction trades while strengthening the workforce and supporting the needs of our local communities.

Our Mission

Fortitude exists to empower young adults to build successful careers in the construction industry through hands-on training, mentorship, and life mastery development.

We believe career success starts with more than technical skills. By helping participants develop communication, accountability, financial literacy, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills, we prepare them not only for employment, but for long-term personal growth and stability.

At the same time, we help address the growing demand for skilled labor by connecting motivated young adults with meaningful opportunities in the trades.

Change Lives.

Develop Communities.

Build the Future.

Our Values

Fortitude: We demonstrate courage and resilience in the face of challenges.

Respect: We treat all participants, staff, and community partners with dignity and respect.

Acceptance: We foster an inclusive environment where every individual is supported, valued, and empowered to reach their unique potential.

Mentorship & Leadership: We believe mentorship changes lives. We cultivate leadership, accountability, and a willingness to learn from others.

Honesty & Integrity: We hold transparency, trust, and integrity as the foundation of all relationships and interactions.

Gratitude: We recognize and appreciate the support, contributions, and collaboration that make our mission possible.

Our Story

Fortitude was founded from a simple but urgent realization: too many young adults are searching for direction without clear access to meaningful career opportunities.

Founder Nicole Davis saw firsthand how many young people, especially those navigating challenging life experiences, lacked the support, mentorship, and exposure needed to confidently pursue a future career. While college may be the right path for some, Nicole recognized that many young adults needed another option: one that was hands-on, practical, financially sustainable, and purpose-driven.

At the same time, the construction industry was facing a growing shortage of skilled workers. Fortitude was created to bridge that gap by connecting motivated young adults with career pathways in the trades while helping them develop the life skills necessary to succeed both professionally and personally.

Through support from industry partners and early believers, including leaders in the construction community, such as Webcor Builders, Fortitude grew from an idea into a mission-driven program serving young adults across the community.

Today, Fortitude provides more than pre-apprenticeship training. It offers mentorship, structure, accountability, and a supportive environment where participants can discover their strengths, build confidence, and create a foundation for long-term success.