WACC receives $778,760 grant to improve programs – InkFreeNews.com

Pictured with WACC students from Warsaw and Tippecanoe Valley are Bob Vitoux, CEO of OrthoWorx; Erin Serafino, talent director at OrthoWorx; Miriel McFarland, Instrumental Machine & Development LLC; Lisa Smith, Don Wood Foundation Program Officer for Postsecondary Education; Lizette Downey, director of strategic communications for the Don Wood Foundation; Ben Barkey, WACC director; Dr. David Hoffert, WCS Superintendent; Tracy Horrell, WCS Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education; Krista Polston, WCS chief communications and strategic partnerships; WACC paraprofessional Craig Streby; and WACC teachers Jeremiah Paseka, Nate Howett, Matt Alexander and Tom Till. Photo by David Slone, Times-Union.

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WARSAW – The Warsaw Area Career Center has received a major grant of $778,760 from the Don Wood Foundation to enhance its welding and advanced manufacturing programs. This scholarship provides students with access to top-of-the-line, industry-standard equipment, strengthening WACC’s position as a leader in technical education and workforce development in Indiana.

The Future-Ready Welding and Advanced Manufacturing Initiative allows WACC to upgrade outdated manual lathes with advanced CNC equipment from Haas Automation, including advanced mills, lathes, multiple laser cutters, a CNC router and a plasma table. These upgrades ensure students gain hands-on experience with the latest technology, preparing them for in-demand careers in orthopedic manufacturing, a critical industry here in Kosciusko County.

Ben Barkey, director of WACC, emphasized the importance of the grant: “This grant represents a critical investment in the future of our students. We are seeing a significant increase in enrollments, and this is largely due to the industry’s experienced educators who have created such an engaging learning environment. Without the support of the Don Wood Foundation, it would not be possible to introduce our students to the top-level equipment they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.”

Local industry leaders are equally enthusiastic. Todd Speicher, President of Instrumental Machine and Development, shared, “We at IMD are very excited to hear that Don Wood Foundation Grant dollars have been awarded to WACC! Knowing that these dollars will be used to expose our local students to skilled trades and employment opportunities in our local orthopedic industry, while also introducing them to up-to-date equipment and technology, is a win for our company and our community . This is also a great opportunity for our established orthopedic employers to support and help our local students become aware of the various employment opportunities and hopefully decide to continue to live, play and raise their families here in Kosciusko County and the surrounding area to take.

In response to rising enrollment, WACC has also expanded its team with an advanced manufacturing instructor, further enriching the student experience. Through this initiative, students can earn industry-recognized certifications such as the FANUC Certified Robot Operator – 1 and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills certifications, increasing their employability and meeting the needs of the local industry.

Dr. David Hoffert, Superintendent of Warsaw Community Schools, added, “Warsaw Community Schools is grateful for the strategic partnership and funding with the Don Wood Foundation. Our local industry is the lifeblood of our community. Through Don Wood Foundation funding, WCS can provide industrial equipment designed to train and prepare the next generation of local workforces.”

The importance of this investment extends beyond just the students. Kosciusko County, known as the Orthopedic Capital of the World®, will directly benefit from these advancements, leaving WACC graduates fully equipped to meet the demands of local manufacturers, including orthopedic implant makers and several other industries that serve both the orthopedics and agriculture support.

Matt Alexander, production teacher at WACC, expressed his gratitude: “Thank you to the Don Wood Foundation for this significant investment in the Warsaw Area Career Center’s various technology programs. These machines, combined with a robust curriculum, will prepare our students for the extensive employment opportunities in and around the orthopedic capital of the world.”

The program’s success also depends on partnerships like the one between WACC and Tippecanoe Valley High School. Brandon Kresca, director of TVHS, emphasized the value the scholarship provides to students. “Many students in Tippecanoe Valley see a future in the welding and machining industry and therefore receive their education and training from our partners at the Warsaw Area Career Center,” says Brandon. “This investment from the Don Wood Foundation to upgrade the welding and machining equipment at WACC will be extremely valuable to the goal of training the next generation of skilled workers in our community. On behalf of Tippecanoe Valley High School, we would like to thank the Wood Foundation for their investment in our talented students.”

Bob Vitoux, CEO of OrthoWorx, commented, “We are grateful for the funding the Don Wood Foundation continues to provide in so many areas that support the advancement of education and knowledge related to manufacturing career paths. Their support aligns directly with OrthoWorx’s focus on equipping the next generation from a talent pipeline perspective and all the great work being done through our partnership with the WACC.”

With this critical grant, WACC aims to lead the way in career and technical education, shaping the future of our local workforce through state-of-the-art facilities, strong industry partnerships and a growing student population.