Aligned Data Centers, a provider of data center solutions for cloud, AI, and high-performance computing, has donated $100,000 to the mikeroweWORKS Foundation to support training for skilled trade careers vital to the data center industry.
The mikeroweWORKS Foundation, founded by Mike Rowe of “Dirty Jobs” fame, focuses on closing the skilled labor gap through its Work Ethic Scholarship Program, which funds training for careers in welding, HVAC, electrical work, plumbing, and other trades.
“No matter how quickly the world changes, the qualities of successful individuals are still the same,” Rowe said in a press release. “The principles of hard work, determination, and respect for others are always in demand and a big part of our Work Ethic Scholarship Program. I’m grateful to Aligned for their generous support and helping make this our largest scholarship program to date.”
The donation will fund scholarships and initiatives to prepare individuals for high-demand roles essential to building and maintaining data centers.
“The need for skilled trade professionals in critical infrastructure sectors, especially data centers, is growing rapidly,” said Michael Morris, chief development officer of Aligned Data Centers, per the press release. “Our partnership with the mikeroweWORKS Foundation is a direct investment in the future workforce that will build, operate, and maintain the complex, high-performance data centers essential for AI, cloud, and enterprise applications.”
Aligned’s contribution aligns with its broader environmental, social, and governance efforts, which emphasize education, workforce development, and sustainable practices. The company, which holds over 50 patents for cooling technology, supports hyperscale and enterprise clients while transforming industrial sites into technology hubs that create local jobs.
Aligned operates 78 data centers in North America, Latin America, and Canada, with three locations in the DFW metroplex.
Since its founding, the mikeroweWORKS Foundation has awarded $16 million in scholarships to promote skilled trades and challenge the notion that a four-year degree is the only path to success. The organization supports individuals pursuing in-demand careers through training and a focus on work ethic.
