Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of plasma, laser, and waterjet cutting systems, is now accepting applications for its Spark Something Great educational grant program. Now in its second year the program aims to ensure the next generation of welders and metal fabricators know how to properly cut and gouge with plasma by making the newest generation of plasma cutting equipment and standardized instruction available to schools.
The grant program will award a Powermax45^® plasma cutting and gouging system along with the full Plasma Cutting Technology: Theory and Practice curriculum kit to ten schools in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Applications for 2016 are due on or before April 1 with grant decisions communicated by May 2. More information, including instructions for submitting a 2016 grant application, is available at www.hypertherm.com/plasmaeducation.
“The number of fantastic programs and deserving schools out there made it incredibly difficult to choose just 10 schools last year which is why we’re really happy to once again offer this program,” said Betsy Van Duyne, who manages Hypertherm’s educational program. “The versatility of the Powermax45 makes it a great system for schools. Schools can teach handheld and mechanized cutting and gouging helping students better prepare for a welding career.”
In addition to the grant program, Hypertherm will continue to make all ten hours of its AWS SENSE approved Plasma Cutting Technology: Theory and Practice curriculum available for free download to teachers. The curriculum covers the plasma cutting process, common industrial uses for plasma systems, the differences between various cutting methods, safety procedures, as well as proper setup and operation. Electronic versions of each lesson, a facilitator’s guide, student workbook, and supporting reference material are all available at www.hypertherm.com/plasmaeducation. To date, teachers from more than 700 schools have taken advantage of the free download helping standardize the teaching of plasma cutting to thousands of students.