MINNEAPOLIS (May 3, 2024) — Donaldson Company, Inc. (NYSE: DCI), a leading worldwide provider of innovative filtration products and solutions, granted nearly $12,000 to the Elmwood School District of Wisconsin, addressing the school’s need for updated welding equipment and associated safety supplies.
“The Elmwood School District is thrilled to have the opportunity to update the metals lab equipment,” said Ryan Schneider, Technical Education Teacher at Elmwood School District. “The three additional tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding machines will give students a chance to learn new skills on up-to-date equipment, providing them with the technical experience that is in high demand with manufacturing employers, such as Donaldson.”
The grant was made possible by the Donaldson Foundation, a volunteer employee-led foundation, which supports organizations and programs that further educational initiatives.
"Helping students learn and gain access to the technologies offered in programs such as Elmwood’s welding class is a priority for Donaldson, especially as the manufacturing industry struggles to fill open welding positions with qualified, skilled employees. Grants such as this can help connect skilled employees with employers, as well as aid in closing the skills gap."
Sarah Swenson, President, Donaldson Foundation
In addition to the grant, a partnership has formed between the Donaldson Baldwin facility and Elmwood School District, enabling Donaldson employees to learn more about the school’s metals classes and welding needs, as well as introduce students to the career opportunities that exist in manufacturing. Schneider added, “We appreciate Donaldson’s support, as we were even able to test our welding skills by creating a ‘Forged in Fire’ event with students making homemade axes from welding coupons (aka test weld pieces) donated by the Donaldson Baldwin, Wisconsin facility, which manufactures air filtration systems for industrial and mobile applications.
About Elmwood School District
The Elmwood School District is a public school that serves grades K-12 in Elmwood, Pierce County, Wisconsin. The Elmwood School District has been around since the late 1800s. Additional information is available at http://www.elmwood.k12.wi.us/.
