Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® scholarship program helps support
future leaders within the industrial trades.
SOUTH BEND, IND. (Jan. 29, 2009) – With baby boomers preparing to retire from the ranks of the skilled workforce in Northern Indiana and across the country, a growing collection of labor experts are raising concerns that there is a shortage of workers with the critical skills required to replace them. Recognizing the growing need, Grainger, a local distributor of facilities maintenance supplies, will award a Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® scholarship to Ivy Tech Community College student Charles Eger, during a presentation today at the college’s South Bend campus at 5:30 in room 1330.
“Industrial trade students like Charles Eger represent the best and the brightest of the future of skilled labor,” said Mandy Hayes, the Branch Manager at Grainger’s Elkhart facility. “Grainger is proud to continue our partnership with Ivy Tech Community College through our scholarship program. Together we can help to ensure that the Northern Indiana community continues to have an ample pool to meet the demand for workers in the skilled and technical trades.”
Eger, an Elkhart resident studying Electrical Engineering Technology, was nominated by the school’s faculty to receive the award. His instructors describe him as an excellent student who is hard working and dedicated. Eger is one of 35 students across the nation who will receive a $2,000 scholarship and, upon graduation, a Westward® tool package from Grainger to support him in his future career.
“I am grateful for Grainger’s generous contribution that has helped to further my career in electrical engineering,” said Eger. “This scholarship provides an opportunity for me to focus on my professional goals as a leader in the electrical engineering industry and in my local community.”
“The industrial trades are in critical need of trained, skilled workers with an understanding of today’s modernized tools, technologies and processes,” said David Brinkruff, Dean of the School of Technology. “With the increasing demand for these skilled individuals, it is essential that we continue to invest in their talent, and Grainger is doing just that through this scholarship program.”
Media interested in conducting interviews or obtaining more information about Grainger, should contact Vernon O’Donnell at (317) 502-8274. For more information about Ivy Tech Community College please contact Tracie Davis at (574)-289-7001, ext. 5858. Ivy Tech students interested in applying for a scholarship should contact David Brinkruff, Dean of the School of Technology.
About Grainger
W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW), with 2007 sales of $6.4 billion, is the leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions in Canada, China, Mexico and the United States. Through a highly integrated network including more than 600 branches, 18 distribution centers and multiple Web sites, Grainger's employees help customers get the job done.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public post-secondary institution and the nation’s largest singly-accredited statewide community college system with more than 120,000 students enrolled annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.