Pictured with Warsaw and Tippecanoe Valley WACC students are Bob Vitoux, OrthoWorx CEO; Erin Serafino, talent director at OrthoWorx; Miriel McFarland, Instrumental Machine & Development LLC; Lisa Smith, Don Wood Foundation Program Officer for Post-Secondary Attainment; Lizette Downey, director of strategic communications for the Don Wood Foundation; Ben Barkey, WACC cirector; Dr. David Hoffert, WCS superintendent; Tracy Horrell, WCS assistant superintendent of secondary Education; Krista Polston, WCS chief communications and strategic partnerships officer; WACC Paraprofessional Craig Streby; and WACC Teachers Jeremiah Paseka, Nate Howett, Matt Alexander and Tom Till. Photo by David Slone, Times-Union.

News Release

WARSAW — The Warsaw Area Career Center secured a major $778,760 grant from the Don Wood Foundation to enhance its Welding and Advanced Manufacturing programs. This grant provides students with access to top-notch, industry-standard equipment, solidifying WACC’s position as a leader in technical education and workforce development in Indiana.

The Future-Ready Welding and Advanced Manufacturing Initiative will allow WACC to upgrade outdated manual lathes with cutting-edge CNC equipment from Haas Automation, including advanced mills, lathes, multiple laser cutters, a CNC router and a plasma table. These upgrades ensure that students will gain hands-on experience with the latest technology, preparing them for high-demand careers in the orthopedic manufacturing sector, which is a vital industry here in Kosciusko County.

Ben Barkey, director of WACC, emphasized the importance of the grant: “This grant represents a crucial investment in our students’ futures. We are seeing significant increases in enrollment, and this is largely due to the industry-experienced teachers who have created such an engaging learning environment. Without the support of the Don Wood Foundation, it would not be possible to expose our students to the top-level equipment they need to be successful in today’s competitive job market.”

Local industry leaders are equally excited. Todd Speicher, president of Instrumental Machine and Development, shared: “We at IMD are very excited to learn of the Don Wood Foundation Grant dollars being awarded to WACC! Knowing that these dollars will be used to introduce our local students to skilled trades and employment opportunities in our local orthopedic industry while also gaining exposure to up-to-date equipment and technology is a win for our company and our community. This is also a great opportunity for our vested orthopedic employers to support and assist in making our local students aware of the different employment opportunities and hopefully decide to continue to live, play, and raise their families here in Kosciusko County and the surrounding area.”

In response to rising enrollment, WACC has also expanded its team with the addition of an advanced manufacturing instructor, further enriching the student experience. Through this initiative, students can earn industry-recognized certifications like the FANUC Certified Robot Operator — 1 and National Institute for Metalworking Skills certifications, boosting their employability and meeting local industry needs.

Dr. David Hoffert, superintendent of Warsaw Community Schools, added, “Warsaw Community Schools is thankful for the strategic partnership and funding with the Don Wood Foundation. Our local industry is the lifeblood of our community. Through the Don Wood Foundation funding, WCS can provide industry-ready equipment designed to train and prepare the next generation of the local workforce.”

The significance of this investment extends beyond just the students. Kosciusko County, known as the Orthopedic Capital of the World®, will directly benefit from these advancements, ensuring graduates of WACC are fully equipped to meet the demands of local manufacturers, including orthopedic implant makers and various other sectors that support both orthopedics and agriculture.

Matt Alexander, manufacturing teacher at WACC, expressed gratitude: “Many thanks to The Don Wood Foundation for making this significant investment in the various Warsaw Area Career Center’s technology programs. These machines, combined with a robust curriculum, will prepare our students for the extensive employment opportunities in and around the Orthopedic Capital of the World.”

The program’s success also relies on partnerships like the one between WACC and Tippecanoe Valley High School. Brandon Kresca, principal of TVHS, highlighted the value the grant brings for students. “Many students at Tippecanoe Valley see a future in the welding and machining industry, thus receiving their education and training from our partners at the Warsaw Area Career Center,” shared Brandon. “This investment from the Don Wood Foundation to improve the welding and machining equipment at WACC will be extremely valuable towards the goal of training the next generation of skilled laborers in our community. On behalf of Tippecanoe Valley High School, thank you so much to the Wood Foundation for their investment in our talented students.”

 Bob Vitoux, CEO of OrthoWorx, noted, “We are grateful for the funding the Don Wood Foundation continues to provide in so many areas that support the advancement of education and knowledge related to career paths in manufacturing. Their support aligns directly with OrthoWorx’s focus on equipping the next generation from a talent pipeline perspective and all the great work being done through our partnership with the WACC.”

With this pivotal grant, WACC is set to lead the way in career and technical education, shaping the future of our local workforce through state-of-the-art facilities, strong industry partnerships, and a growing student body.