The CWB Welding Foundation and the Marinucci Family Foundation (MFF) announced their partnership of funding for 10 Canadian welding programs at the secondary school level. Each school will receive $5,000 annually over 10 years. The CWB Welding Foundation will also be working towards establishing a welding program at a secondary school in Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia within the next two years.
“Through the generous gift of the MFF, we are able to offer 10 secondary schools across the country with the funds to provide their students with a better quality learning experience within their welding programs,” said Deborah Mates, executive director of the CWB Welding Foundation. “It is our objective to grow this model program by encouraging other individuals, corporations and industry partners to look within their own communities to support their local secondary school welding programs.”
The 10 selected schools received their funding annually starting Jan. 1, 2016. Funds are designated to assist with purchasing necessary equipment and materials for exciting welding programs.
Limited budgets for welding programs often limit the ability to purchase new technology, learn new welding processes or purchase new personal protective equipment. The schools have been selected based on the history of the program, student success, as well as internal and external recommendations from welding educational experts. These schools have also been identified as having model welding programs in their provinces and territories.
“The MFF, a Canadian Charity established in 2010, is committed to funding programs that significantly improve youth education. We are excited to partner with the CWB Welding Foundation to significantly enhance secondary school welding programs across Canada,” said John Marinucci, founder and chairman of the MFF.
The MFF was founded in 2010 and continues to provide support to education based programs and initiatives. John Marinucci serves as a current member on the board of the CWB Welding Foundation. Marinucci, retired as president and CEO of New Flyer in 2009 and previously served as president of National Steel Car.
The following schools will be receiving funding:
- Grande Cache Community High School, Grande Cashe, Alta.
- St. Joseph’s High School, Edmonton, Alta.
- West Central High School Fabrication, Rocky Mountain House, Alta.
- Sardis Secondary School, Chilliwack, B.C.
- Lord Selkirk Comprehensive School, Selkirk, Man.
- Oromocto High School, Oromocto, N.B.
- Diamond Jenness High School in Hay River, N.W.T.
- Ottawa Technical Secondary School, Ottawa, Ont.
- Pontiac High School, Shawville, Que.
- Albert E. Peacock Collegiate, Moose Jaw, Sask.