By Barbara Leary

On a Saturday inside the Cornerstone Craftsman workshop, a group of Alexandria teens is finishing the seams on the drywall sheets they hung earlier. Under Lead Instructor Rene Merino’s watchful eye, they take turns applying the mud and setting the tape, smoothing the rough edges to create a foundation for what will come next.

It’s a metaphor for the work of Cornerstone Craftsman, the early-stage Alexandria nonprofit organization recently recognized as the 2025 “Rising Star” at the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce’s Best in Business Awards.

The brainchild of Executive Director Roberto Gomez, Cornerstone Craftsman works with youth from low-income backgrounds to smooth their rough edges and help them acquire the foundational skills for stable, rewarding careers in the building trades. Through its innovative pre-apprenticeship program, which combines technical instruction and hands-on learning with mentoring and support services, the organization is on a mission to break the cycle of generational poverty.

As the Rising Star award demonstrates, the community is taking note.

“It’s more than an award,” says Gomez. “It’s the business community saying that these young people matter, that they are the future of our workforce. That belief in the kids, and our mission, makes the Chamber’s recognition especially meaningful.”

An Idea Whose Time Is Now

That mission aligns with a workforce need that is growing more urgent. A recent survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America found that 94% of contractors are finding it difficult to fill open positions. Meanwhile, young people are rethinking what success looks like after high school. As they weigh the rising cost of college and the threat of AI-driven job disruption, more of them are turning to technical education programs as a result, and for good reason: The trades offer stable, living wages and ample opportunities for growth.

“All you have to do is look around, and you can see that construction is thriving in Alexandria. It’s a tremendous contributor to the local economy, and it needs a steady source of skilled workers,” Gomez says. “We have talented young people who want to meet that need. So, with every young person who graduates from our program, we’re serving both the youth and a key driver of Alexandria’s economy. I think that recognition is what has attracted support from the business community out of the gate.”

A Blueprint for Success

The idea for Cornerstone Craftsman took root in 2021, when Gomez began an informal pre-apprenticeship program, teaching basic construction skills to neighborhood kids in the summer and on weekends. Word got around, and soon he was getting calls from parents asking if he had space for their kids.

“By that time, I was also providing support to some of the families, buying groceries, helping with overdue electric bills, and I realized I couldn’t do it on my own,” says Gomez. With the help of friends and acquaintances, he formed Cornerstone Craftsman, and it received its 501(c)(3) status in October 2024. The organization currently serves 28 year-round pre-apprentices and has almost that many on a waitlist.

Cornerstone Craftsman stands out for its deep, multi-year investment in the youth it serves. By providing a holistic support system, it removes the barriers that might otherwise prevent young people from fully participating. “Kids can’t concentrate if they’re hungry,” says Gomez. “They can’t show up if they don’t have a way to get here. They can’t make a good impression in a job interview if they don’t know how to tie a tie. They can’t get a decent job without a high school diploma and a work permit. We’re in the business of launching them into careers, so we help with all of those things, and more.”

Every smooth seam and straight line in the workshop marks a step toward a future these young people are constructing for themselves. Recognition like the Rising Star award shows that the community believes in Cornerstone Craftsman’s potential and the potential of the youth it serves. Continued investment from the community will allow the organization to scale up and meet the growing demand.

To help build what’s next, visit cornerstonecraftsman.org.

About the Author: Barbara Leary is an Alexandria-based writer and communications consultant who helps nonprofit leaders advance their missions. She also teaches graduate-level writing and communication at Georgetown University.