Students in the skilled trades cohort at the Marion E. Barnes Career Center received a donation designed to help them build their futures.
Northern Tool and Equipment, which opened its first store in the Augusta area earlier this year, presented the students with $5,000 worth of brand-new tools. It was part of the company’s “Tools for the Trades” program.
Trina Smith, program administrator at the Barnes Center, said Northern Tool and Equipment contacted the district regarding the donation.
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She said students trying to develop expertise in the skilled trades need tools to be able to learn and complete projects.
“Not that we don’t get funding. But we need more individualized funding for the students. We get funding to fund the programs. But we don’t get funding to fund a student. And students need these tools to be able to go out and work,” she said.
Junior Josiah Stroman was among the students who got their first look at company’s May 5 donation.
He said he joined the skilled trades program because he like to work with his hands, to take what he sees in his head and make it a reality.
He said the donation can make that possible.
“It means a lot, because normally, we don’t have people who are willing to donate things to us. We don’t really have a lot of materials and supplies, even though it does look like we have a lot we actually don’t. So, it’s very appreciative. I’m very eager to learn all of these tools and use them,” he said.
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Smith said she enjoys seeing the passion in her students, but, as a skilled worker herself, she understands their passion.
“Because they know that their life is going to be changed forever. A lot of times the verbiage is, you know, you need to pick a skill or go to college, but it really should be both. These children nowadays want a skill so they can go to college, so they can remain in college, so they can pay their way through college. It doesn’t have to be one way or the other. We want choices in life. Everybody does. And this generation understands what real choices are,” she said
After a brief presentation, Josiah was among the first students to gather around the table to begin opening boxes and examining the new tools.
He said his inspiration to join the program came from his family.
“It was definitely my grandfather. They actually own property where they built their own houses and I’m like,’ wow, I want to do that. That’s something I want to do.’ So, that’s kind of what fueled me,” he said.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a general assignment reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
