Bringing the welding experience back to high school

The American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation, Bechtel Group Foundation, and Miller Electric Mfg. LLC have partnered to bring the welding experience back to high school with the Light a Spark Grant.

“The AWS Foundation is proud to offer welding equipment kits to high schools that do not currently offer a welding program or class, thus providing hundreds of students the opportunity to experience welding for the first time and consider the possibility of welding as a career,” said Monica Pfarr, AWS Foundation Executive Director.

The Light a Spark Grant is a turnkey package designed to introduce welding into an existing secondary or post-secondary Ag-Ed, Career and Technical Education, STEM, or Practical Skills Course. Up to 10 starter packages valued at more than $14,000 each will be awarded.* Each welding equipment starter pack includes the following (subject to change):

• MobileArc Augmented Reality Welding System
• Miller Multimatic 220 AC/DC Powersource - ability to perform GTAW, GTAW-P, GMAW, FCAW & SMAW welding processes
• Miller Spectrum 375 Plasma cutter
• Oxy-Fuel Cutting Pack; including regulators, cutting & heating tips
• SMAW, GMAW, & GTAW whips with consumable kit
• Welding Cart, Arcstation welding table, and safety screens
• PPE & Hand tools; including welding gloves, jacket, auto darkening helmet, face shield, chipping hammer, wire brush, and more

“Miller is committed to advancing the craft of welding through training and education,” says Justin Blount, group president, Miller. “We are proud to partner with the AWS Foundation to provide these schools with the equipment and supplies needed to introduce their students to the craft of welding.”

“These kits make it easy for educators to offer realistic learning experiences and position students for success in trade schools, community colleges, and university programs,” says LeeAnne Lang, president of Bechtel Group Foundation.

Applications for the grant are being accepted through March 15, 2023. Learn more and apply at aws.org/sparkgrant.

*The Light a Spark Grant is not intended for secondary or post-secondary schools with an existing welding program or course.