MIAMI – Pontiac High School has received $15,000 a grant from the AWS Foundation to purchase welding equipment for four new welding booths.

The AWS Foundation is dedicated to increasing the welding workforce by providing Welding Workforce Grant funding to secondary, post-secondary and welder training facilities that seek to enhance and improve their welding education programs.

“This program can potentially give students and local community residents access to skills/ training and a direct route to a higher income level, and career opportunities, that are not specifically available now,” said Justin Brantley, Project Lead/Instructor at Pontiac High School.

“As we continue our modern revival here in the city of Pontiac, the sky can be the limit when it comes to the success that welding skills and work could have on the community.”

Welding is among the most crucial and essential skilled trades that impact everyday life, yet the number of skilled welding technicians and professionals continues to decrease. The American Welding Society through the AWS Foundation supports programs to ensure the growth and development of the welding industry through research and educational opportunities. In 2020, despite the pandemic, the AWS Foundation awarded over $1.5 million in grants and scholarships.

“We applaud the dedication Pontiac High School has demonstrated in expanding their welding education programs and facilities,” said Monica Pfarr, Executive Direction of the AWS Foundation. “Their commitment to the welding industry and cultivating the next generation of welding technicians and professionals through education is inspiring.”

For more information about the AWS Foundation, scholarships, grants or donations, please visit aws.org/foundation.