Andrew Cortés will be Senator’s virtual guest and have a chance to connect with senior White House staff at virtual reception before the speech

WASHINGTON, DC – President Joe Biden will deliver his first State of the Union address tonight at 9 pm in the U.S. Capitol.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed announced that Andrew Cortés, founder and Executive Director of Building Futures/Apprenticeship RI will be his “virtual” guest for the annual State of the Union address.

Building Futures is a statewide non-profit that helps young people earn money while learning a skilled-trade from the ground up.  Building Futures’ nationally acclaimed construction pre-apprenticeship program prepares low-income adults for rewarding careers in commercial construction through Registered Apprenticeships.

“Andrew is a success story who got ahead through hard work and with help from a carpentry apprenticeship when he was a young man.  He’s used his experience as a blueprint to help others.  The team at Building Futures has created pathways to success for hundreds of Rhode Island residents, connecting them with skills training and empowering them to punch their own tickets to the middle-class and pursue good-paying, unionized construction jobs.  President Biden helped us enact a massive infrastructure investment and Rhode Island is going to need a lot more skilled workers in the future.  Hats off to Andrew for building a successful pipeline and expanding opportunity for hardworking young people,” said Senator Reed.

“I’m honored to be included tonight— it’s a testament to our work to create opportunity for Rhode Islanders through Registered Apprenticeship. Senator Reed champions workforce investments that open doors to economic opportunity and advancement for people from every walk of life.” Said Andrew Cortés, Executive Director of Building Futures

Prior to the President’s speech, Mr. Cortés will have the opportunity to attend a virtual reception with lawmakers and special guest Cedric Richmond, Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement.  Mr. Richmond will deliver remarks and answer some questions from guests around the country.