Home / AWS’ Light a Spark Grant; Starter Packages Valued at More than $14K

AWS’ Light a Spark Grant; Starter Packages Valued at More than $14K

Applications for the grant are being accepted through March 15, 2023. The package is designed to introduce welding at the secondary or post-secondary levels.

Posted: March 6, 2023

AWS is accepting applications until March 15 for its Light a Spark grants.

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 post-secondary 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 Powersource – ability to perform GTAW, GTAW-P, GMAW, FCAW & SMAW welding processes
Miller Spectrum 375 Plasma cutter
Oxy-Fuel Cutting Pack; including regulators, cutting & heating tips

SMAW, GMAW, & GTAW whips with consumable kit
Welding Cart, Arcstation welding table, and safety screens
PPE & Hand tools; including welding gloves, jacket, auto darkening helmet, face shield, chipping hammer, wire brush, and more

“Miller is committed to advancing the craft of welding through training and education,” says Justin Blount, Group President, Miller. “We are proud to partner with the AWS Foundation to provide these schools with the equipment and supplies needed to introduce their students to the craft of welding.”

“These kits make it easy for educators to offer realistic learning experiences and position students for success in trade schools, community colleges, and university programs,” said LeeAnne Lang, president of Bechtel Group Foundation.

Applications for the grant are being accepted through March 15, 2023.

*The Light a Spark Grant is not intended for secondary or post-secondary schools with an existing welding program or course.

aws.org/sparkgrant

Subscribe to learn the latest in manufacturing.