Hypertherm Associates extends application deadline for Spark Something Great grant program

Hypertherm Associates, a Hanover, N.H., manufacturer of industrial cutting products and software, is extending the application deadline for its Spark Something Great educational grant program. In its 10th year, the program will provide 12 North American schools with a Powermax45 XP air plasma system and in-person training from a Hypertherm product expert.

The grant program supports 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 100 schools. The application deadline has been extended to June 3, and grant decisions will be communicated by July 15.

The company also continues to make all 10 hours of its AWS SENSE-approved Plasma Cutting Technology: Theory and Practice curriculum available for free download to teachers. The curriculum covers the plasma cutting process, common industrial uses for plasma systems, the differences between various cutting methods, safety procedures, and proper setup and operation. Downloadable materials include electronic versions of each lesson, a facilitator’s guide, a student workbook, and supporting reference material.