The NCIA Vocational Training Center in Baltimore City celebrated the graduation of 67 students Saturday, a milestone for the 48-year-old nonprofit amid uncertainty over federal funding.

President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily freeze federal payments for grants and government programs has created uncertainty for many nonprofits, including those providing vocational training. For groups like the VTC, which offers programs in HVAC, CDL and automotive careers, the freeze could disrupt the VTC’s career-building programs, giving second chances to formerly incarcerated individuals, veterans, the homeless and the economically disadvantaged.

“At this time, we are not aware of any cuts that would directly impact our current funding,” Billips said in an email to The Baltimore Sun. “However, we remain vigilant as legislation and cuts are changing at a rapid pace. … Now, more than ever, local businesses, community partners, and donors have the opportunity to invest in workforce development and help shape the future of Baltimore’s economy.

Billips said recent reductions in federal funding for workforce development programs pose a potential risk to its training centers. VTC is exploring optional funding sources, such as corporate sponsorships, funding-raising events, and fee-for-service contracts with employer partnerships.

“This helps Baltimore keep costs down because we have locally trained and hireable people who can do the work, so labor does not have to be outsourced,” Billips wrote.

In Baltimore, more than 1,000 VTC graduates are currently working and generating about $40 million in wages yearly, according to the nonprofit.

The programs are free to participants and funded through grants, community foundations, corporate partners and philanthropic organizations, including the Maryland Department of Human Services, Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, Grads to Career, Department of Justice, Weinberg Foundation, Abell Foundation and France-Merrick Foundation.

Many of these programs are federally funded. With budget cuts looming, the VTC is imploring local businesses, community partners and donors to invest in workforce development and help shape the future of Baltimore’s economy.

De’sean Mitchell graduated from VTC on Saturday after receiving his HVAC Refrigeration and HVAC Electrical Certification. He is currently working on an OSHA 10 certification and plans to work with climate control systems.

“It was a great alternative, especially being free,” Mitchell said in an email. “They assisted me with transportation and my instructor was excellent. The entire school was a wonderful experience, and I would recommend it to everyone. One day I’d like to start my own HVAC business where I can provide young people with the opportunity to learn a valuable trade.”

Ke’shaun Coleman is another graduate who completed automotive training. He obtained certifications in Esco 609 air conditioning and heating, Dayco drive belt training and installation, ASE brakes service brake systems, ALLDATA mechanical information, diagnostic tools, shop management tools and OSHA 10 General construction safety practices.

“At first, I had a hard time with attendance, but my case manager and instructors really helped me stay on track. I like the school, especially my instructor, Mr. Vernon Brown,’ Coleman said in an email. “My goal is to become a master mechanic.”

The VTC has a growing number of employer partners in the local community who have embraced the graduates, according to Billips. Some include Transdev, RTW Transportation, Eastern Food Service, Jiffy Lub and Baltimore City Department of General Services. The VTC is always looking for more opportunities.

“We need more partnerships to ensure we can meet the demands of all of the VTC applicants seeking stable, long-term employment,” Billips said. “We are looking for additional partners who employ people in automotive, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration and commercial driving class B transportation roles.”

While VTC navigates the uncertain waters of the nonprofit sector, Billips is confident the organization is prepared to meet those challenges.

“We remain optimistic about the future of our program because we are driven by our passion for service and commitment to our mission: ‘Empowering people with limited access to opportunities to build fulfilling lives and stronger communities through unconditional support,'” Billips said.

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