Hypertherm’s Spark Something Great grant program returns for 2018

Hypertherm, a manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software based in Hanover, N.H., is accepting applications for its Spark Something Great educational grant program. The program, now in its fourth year, will award a Hypertherm Powermax45® XP plasma system to 10 schools in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, grant recipients will receive the full “Plasma Cutting Technology: Theory and Practice” curriculum kit and several hours of in-person training from a Hypertherm plasma expert.

The program is meant to support the next generation of welders and metal fabricators by making the newest generation of plasma cutting equipment and standardized instruction available to schools. To date, the company has awarded systems to 30 schools.

Applications for 2018 are due by April 2, with grant decisions communicated by May 1. For more information, visit www.hypertherm.com/grant.

In addition to the grant program, the company will continue to make all 10 hours of its curriculum available for free download to teachers. The curriculum covers the plasma cutting process, common industrial uses for plasma systems, the differences among various cutting methods, safety procedures, and proper setup and operation. Electronic versions of each lesson, a facilitator’s guide, student workbook, and supporting reference material are available at www.hypertherm.com/plasmaeducation.