GRCC Receives Grant from Don Wood Foundation

GRCC receives significant grant from Don Wood Foundation to expand advanced manufacturing program 

Grant Regional Career Center is pleased to announce the planned expansion of their advanced manufacturing program, thanks to a multi-year grant of more than $1 million from the Don Wood Foundation. This programming will benefit both high school students and adult learners through Grant County.

The WIRED program will encompass welding, innovation, robotics, engineering, and driving. This collaborative effort involves all five school districts in Grant County, ensuring equitable access to high-quality career and technical education opportunities for all students. 

"We are incredibly grateful to the Don Wood Foundation for this impactful grant," GRCC Director Nate McNeely said. "This funding will allow us to invest in equipment, develop curriculum, and expand our reach to serve a wider range of students and adults. By providing individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today's high-demand manufacturing industry, we are empowering individuals and strengthening our local economy."

The multi-year grant totaling $1,041,241 will support the following initiatives:

• Creation and expansion of advanced manufacturing programs, including robotics, automation, industrial maintenance, smart manufacturing, and “Industry 4.0”.

• Enhanced adult education programs, offering customized training for workers and upskilling opportunities for individuals seeking to enter the manufacturing workforce.

• Industry partnerships and collaboration with local manufacturers to ensure program alignment with industry needs and provide students with valuable real-world experience.

McNeely emphasized the importance of these partnerships. 

"Industry partnerships are crucial to the success of our programs,” he said. “By working closely with local manufacturers, we can ensure that our curriculum is aligned with the latest industry standards and that our students are prepared for in-demand careers. These partnerships provide valuable real-world learning experiences for our students and help us to build a strong and sustainable workforce for Grant County."

This grant represents a significant investment in the future of Grant County. By providing students and adults with access to high-quality CTE programs, GRCC is creating a skilled workforce that will drive economic growth and prosperity for years to come. 

“The Don Wood Foundation is drawn to the substantial collaborations that Grant Regional Career Center’s WIRED program will yield among secondary schools, colleges, and universities, along with skilled trade providers and other critical support organizations,” said Laura Macknick, president and CEO of the Don Wood Foundation. “We understand that developing skilled education and training opportunities require good planning, resources, but perhaps more important is the community engagement needed to bring to fruition these important, life-changing opportunities for learners.” 

About Grant Regional Career Center:

Grant Regional Career Center is a career and technical school serving students and adults in Grant County, Indiana. GRCC offers a wide range of career and technical education programs, preparing students and adults for successful careers in a variety of fields. Learn more at grcc.works.

About the Don Wood Foundation:

The Don Wood Foundation is a private foundation, established in 2018 by Don Wood, founder of 80/20, Inc., that serves and supports innovators, leaders, collaborators, and skilled workers with the potential to create and sustain opportunities in manufacturing. The Don Wood Foundation partners with nonprofits and educational institutions to provide sustained investment that supports the development of a diverse workforce through exposure, education, and training to create strong communities rooted in the advancement of manufacturing. Learn more at www.donwoodfoundation.org.