ESCANABA — The Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation announced a $1.4 million commitment to Build U.P. at the 2026 InvestUP CEO Summit, providing significant support for the region’s growing Career and Technical Education housing partnership. The investment will help intermediate school districts and state-approved Construction Trades programs continue building much-needed homes while giving students valuable hands-on experience in the skilled trades.

Already active in Escanaba, Houghton, Hancock, Cedarville, L’Anse and Manistique, the program helps schools move beyond classroom-only instruction by putting students on active job sites where they take part in planning, budgeting, construction, and project completion.

In just 18 months, the partnership has seen one home built and sold, one home built and preparing for the market, four more under construction and 160 students engaged. The commitment also creates room for future growth across the region, including more opportunities for Upper Peninsula suppliers and building component manufacturers to be part of the work