Don Wood Foundation Gifts Over One Million Dollars to Area 18 CTE Cooperatives
At the Adams Wells Manufacturing Alliance (AWMA), we are a dedicated group of local businesses and members who focus on strengthening Northeast Indiana’s workforce by equipping high school students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Part of AWMA’s roles and responsibilities are to report when organizations and foundations help share our vision that continues to drive our area’s manufacturing initiatives, strengthening our local communities.
In December of 2021, we are pleased to announce that the Don Wood Foundation has awarded more than one million dollars to five local area high schools. These Indiana schools include Adams Central, South Adams, North Adams, Bluffton-Harrison, and Blackford County School Corporations.
The Don Wood Foundation’s financial gifts support the necessary technological advancements in manufacturing equipment, and training programs these high school students need to succeed in the manufacturing sector.
The manufacturing industry continues to evolve rapidly, and it’s essential that students gain the vital knowledge they need to help fill today’s highly-skilled and technologically driven jobs. The partnership between the Area 18 CTE Cooperative and Don Wood Foundation assists in advancing the manufacturing sector by ensuring these local school programs stay on the cutting edge of technology, giving their students the experience and confidence they need when entering the workforce.
AWMA and Area 18 CTE actively supported the efforts to obtain this grant through the Don Wood Foundation. We’re excited to see how this generous grant can continue building momentum in the manufacturing sector throughout our region.
Laura Macknick, the executive director of the Don Wood Foundation, explains, “We are pleased to be able to support Area 18 and the Advanced Manufacturing program. We applaud their pursuit of industry partnership and training for the next generation. The future of manufacturing will be enhanced by Area 18’s work, which strategically aligns with the foundation’s mission.”
Here’s a look at Don Wood and his foundation.
80/20 founder and former CEO Don Wood started selling seeds door to door at a very young age and being a true entrepreneur his entire life. Don gained wisdom and real-life experiences from various roles, including machinist, salesman, board member, and business owner. Don was a “toolmaker by trade, a salesman by attitude.”
Don’s legacy lives on with the work of the 80/20 Foundation Trust, which helps to grow and transform the manufacturing sector in Northeast Indiana by supporting industrial technology areas along with sales, entrepreneurism, and leadership.
