News

Posted On: 09/14/2006

The American Association of Community and Grainger partner to help students

PlantServices.com

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and Grainger (NYSE: GWW), North America's leading distributor of facilities maintenance supplies, today announced the national launch of Grainger's Tools for TomorrowSM scholarship program.  The program provides funding for students at select community colleges to finish their second year of an industrial trade career program.

Grainger and the American Association of Community Colleges are working together to promote the Grainger's Tools for TomorrowSM Scholarship Program, designed to help students in the industrial trade curriculum who have demonstrated drive, commitment and leadership realize their educational goals. The pilot program will award outstanding students at seven selected American Association of Community Colleges member colleges across the country with a scholarship for their second year of college and a career-related tool package upon successful completion of the education program.

To date, scholarships have been awarded to Amanda Korte of St. Louis, Mo. in construction technology, Michael Guido of Dearborn, Mich. in construction, and Stuart Nielsen of Seattle, Wash. in welding fabrication.

"The students of today represent the industrial trade professionals who will help build our future," said James T. Ryan, President, Grainger. "We're proud to support their educational success by partnering with AACC on this unique opportunity."

"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 they are also investing in our nation's continuing economic success."

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 businesses access to thousands of products including heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment; hand and power tools; and electrical and safety supplies.