The AWS Foundation has been committed to the future of welding through welding education funding. Now, we introduce the latest effort to ensure a skilled workforce is ready when industry calls – the Welder Workforce Grant. This Grant will serve to aid training institutions with funds that can create new welder training programs or improve current facilities.
WHAT ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE?
The AWS Board of Directors has approved a transfer of funds for the purpose of offering grants to secondary and post-secondary education/training institutions specifically for the purpose of increasing the number of welding graduates, the percentage of welding graduates, and job placement.
Up to $250,000 is available to be awarded to schools in 2017 for increasing the number of welding graduates, increasing the percentage of welding graduates, and/or increasing job placement. Only one grant per school will be made in any academic year. Grants will be awarded up to $25,000 to any single entity.
CRITERIA FOR INSTITUTIONS WITH WELDING PROGRAMS
- High schools
- Trade/technical schools
- Community colleges
- Preference will be given to SENSE schools
- Preference will be given to applications that include a level of matching support (financial and/or in-kind)
OVERVIEW OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS
The educational institution will submit an application to the AWS Foundation which will include specific activities that will be implemented. The application deadline is Monday, October 2, 2017, 5:00pm EDT.
The applications will be reviewed by the AWS Foundation Grants Committee and selected based on the following:
What the funding will be used for, including expected outcomes and measures of success
How the outcomes will be achieved; what strategies will be implemented
The application’s relevance to the AWS Foundation’s areas of interest
Preference will be given to applications with the most significant increase in number of welding graduates, percentage of welding graduates, and/or job placement. Preference will also be given to those demonstrating some level of matching support (financial and/or in-kind).
Funds may be used for:
- classroom or lab materials and/or supplies
- facilities improvements
- capital items
- computers, computer-based training systems
- metalworking equipment purchases or upgrades
- expand teaching staff
Funds cannot be used for:
- any program or area not related to welding education/training
- travel expenses
- student tuition or scholarships
- textbooks or teaching materials
- personal protective equipment
- indirect costs
- no grants will be given to individuals
REQUIREMENTS IF SELECTED FOR AN AWS FOUNDATION GRANT
Measures of Success
AWS Foundation will audit the success of the project throughout the term of funding, at intervals determined by AWS Foundation. A summary of progress-to-date with specific, detailed information will be required. Projects will be measured against the original application submitted. A final report including project summary, numbers of individuals educated/trained, numbers of graduates, numbers successfully employed in a welding job, results from the project, and a final, itemized budget, will be required. AWS Foundation, at its’ discretion, may audit student competency against program goals.
Release of Funds
A contract must be signed by both AWS Foundation and the grantee. Funds will be distributed only to the education/training institution. The release of funds will occur at intervals determined by AWS Foundation and based on the project activities. Request for funds must include:
Summary of progress to date with detailed information
Itemized Invoice
The above must be submitted to AWS at the following address:
Vicki Pinsky
Associate Director, Scholarships, AWS Foundation
8669 NW 36th Street, Suite 130
Miami, FL 33166
Email: vpinsky@aws.org
WELDER WORKFORCE GRANT APPLICATION
Questions?
For questions, or more information, please contact Vicki Pinsky at vpinsky@aws.org or Monica Pfarr at mpfarr@aws.org.
