Schools invited to apply for welding starter kit through AWS Foundation

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 postsecondary 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 power source
• Miller Spectrum 375 plasma cutter
• Oxyfuel cutting regulators, cutting tips, and heating tips
• SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW whips with consumable kit
• Welding cart, Miller ArcStation welding table, and safety screens
• PPE and hand tools, including welding gloves, jacket, autodarkening helmet, face shield, chipping hammer, and wire brush.

Applications for the grant are being accepted through March 15, 2023. Learn more and apply here.