WACC Receives $778,760 Grant to Elevate Programs – InkFreeNews.com

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

Press release

WARSAW — The Warsaw 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 equipment that meets industry standards, solidifying WACC’s position as a leader in technical education and workforce development in Indiana.

The Future-Ready Welding and Advanced Manufacturing Initiative will enable WACC to upgrade its obsolete manual lathes with state-of-the-art CNC equipment from Haas Automation, including advanced mills, lathes, multiple laser cutters, a CNC router and a plasma table. With these improvements, students will gain hands-on experience with the latest technologies, preparing them for high-demand careers in the orthopedic manufacturing sector, which is a key industry in Kosciuszko County.

Ben Barkey, principal 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 enrollment and this is largely due to the industry experienced teachers who have created such an engaging learning environment. Without the support of the Don Wood Foundation, it would not be possible to provide our students with access to the top-of-the-line equipment they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.”

Local industry leaders are equally excited. Todd Speicher, president of Instrumental Machine and Development, said, “At IMD, we are very excited to hear about the Don Wood Foundation grant dollars being 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 gaining exposure to state-of-the-art equipment and technology is a win for our company and our community. This is also a great opportunity for our employers in the orthopedic industry to support and help make our local students aware of various employment opportunities and hopefully choose to continue to live, play and raise their families here in Kosciuszko County and the surrounding area.”

In response to growing enrollment, WACC also added an advanced manufacturing instructor to its team, further enriching the student experience. Through this initiative, students can earn industry-recognized certifications such as FANUC Certified Robot Operator – 1 certifications and National Metalworking Skills Institute 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 this strategic partnership and funding with the Don Wood Foundation. Local industry is the lifeblood of our community. “With funding from the Don Wood Foundation, WCS can provide industry-ready equipment designed to train and prepare the next generation of the local workforce.”

The importance of this investment goes beyond the students themselves. Kościuszko County, known as the Orthopedic Capital of the World®, will directly benefit from these advances by ensuring WACC graduates are fully equipped to meet the demands of local manufacturers, including orthopedic implant manufacturers and various other sectors supporting both orthopedics and agriculture.

Matt Alexander, production teacher at WACC, expressed gratitude: “A huge thank you to the Don Wood Foundation for making this significant investment in the various technology programs of the Warsaw Career Center. These machines, combined with a strong curriculum, will prepare our students for extensive employment opportunities in and around the Orthopedics Capital of the World.

The program’s success also depends on partnerships like the one between WACC and Tippecanoe Valley High School. Brandon Kresca, principal of TVHS, emphasized the value the scholarship brings to students. “Many Tippecanoe Valley students see a future in the welding and machining industry, gaining knowledge and training from our partners at the Warsaw Career Center,” Brandon said. “This investment by the Don Wood Foundation to improve welding and machining equipment at WACC will be extremely valuable in training the next generation of skilled workers in our community. On behalf of Tippecanoe Valley High School, thank you very much to the Wood Foundation for investing in our talented students.”

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

With this key grant, WACC will become a leader in career and technical education, shaping the future of our local workforce with state-of-the-art infrastructure, strong industry partnerships and growing student enrollment.