Grainger awards scholarships to nine tech ed students

Grainger, North America's leading distributor of facilities maintenance supplies, recently awarded nine scholarships to technical education students across the country. These awards mark the completion of the second year of the Grainger Tools for Tomorrow scholarship program. The program provides funding for students at select community colleges throughout the nation to finish their second year of a technical career program. To date, Grainger has helped 16 students complete their technical education programs as part of this effort.

"Qualified, trained workers are the lifeblood that keeps our local economies going," said James T. Ryan, president and chief operating officer, Grainger. "With the demand for these skilled individuals projected to be even greater in the coming years, it is essential that we continue to invest in their talent. Grainger is proud to honor the achievements and efforts of our 2007 scholarship recipients and the future leadership roles they will have in their industry."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the imminent retirement of Baby Boomers will lead to a labor shortage. "Students enrolled in technical career programs will help to meet a serious and growing skills gap in our country," said American Association of Community Colleges president George R. Boggs. "By stepping up to recognize their sometimes under-appreciated contributions, Grainger is not only helping deserving students, but the company is also investing in our nation's continuing economic success."

Grainger and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) continue to work together to promote the Grainger Tools for Tomorrow scholarship program, designed to help students in industrial trade programs who have demonstrated drive, commitment and leadership, realize their educational goals. The program awards outstanding students at nine selected AACC member colleges across the country with a scholarship for their second year of college and a career-related tool package upon successful completion of their education program.

The 2007 scholarships were awarded to:

• Rola Majed is enrolled in the architecture program at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Mich. Majed is dedicated to the field of architecture and has worked as an intern at a local, small architecture firm. Her goals include continuing her architecture education and incorporating interior design.

• Jason Meuth is enrolled in the construction technology program at North Lake College in Irving, Texas. Meuth served in the United States Air Force for five years prior to entering North Lake College and maintains a 3.8 grade point average.

• Tom Frey is enrolled in the automotive technician program at St. Louis Community College in Forest Park, Mo. Frey, who has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his studies, plans to become an ASE Master Certified Technician and enter a career in the automotive field. His passion and dedication to his studies shows in his perfect attendance.

• Corey Brinson, is enrolled in the civil engineering program at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Ill. Brinson hopes to use his education to impact struggling nations by building bridges, roads and a better infrastructure. As an active community volunteer, member of Phi Theta Kappa and vice president of internal affairs for the Engineering Club, Brinson has proved himself as a leader and driver of change in his local community.

• Gregory Smith is enrolled in the welding fabrication program at South Seattle Community College in Seattle. Smith is balancing several part-time jobs and a full course load while earning a 4.0 GPA and a spot on the Dean's List last semester. His supervisors describe him as a focused and fast worker.

• Bradley Lusk is enrolled in the electronics engineering technology program at Cincinnati State Technical College in Cincinnati, Ohio. Lusk has maintained a 4.0 GPA while working an average of more than 60 hours per week between two jobs. Lusk plans to pursue a career as an electronics engineer.

• Cherylle Brown is enrolled in the construction management program at the Community College of Baltimore County in Catonsville, Md. Brown wants to share her knowledge to encourage other women to enter the construction field. She also plans to use her newfound skills to help build housing for low-income families. A constant presence in her community, Brown has volunteered for the past 10 years as a computer skills tutor to local elementary school children and is a member of numerous community and professional associations.

• Dariusz Niworowski is enrolled in the electrical power technologies and computer science program at Miami Dade College in Miami, Fla. Niworowski immigrated to the U.S. from Poland several years ago and is studying while working full time and supporting his family. After graduating from Miami Dade College, Naworowski plans to teach technical education.

• Ariel Khaimov is enrolled in the electrical engineering program at Queensborough Community College in Flushing, N.Y. Khaimov is currently participating in the College Science and Technology Entry Program. In the program, he is building a binary clock as well as tutoring other students with their projects. Khaimov speaks three languages.

Grainger currently operates more than 400 branches in local markets across the U.S. The company is making significant investments in its local operations to better serve its customers. Each Grainger branch offers customers such as facilities maintenance professionals, contractors and commercial building managers access to thousands of products including heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment; hand and power tools; and electrical and safety supplies.