HARLINGEN — Charged and ready to launch.
The up and coming welding program at Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District has just received a boost from a $10,000 grant. The much-need cash could move up the development of the program by a year, says Raul Alvarez director of career and technology education.
“It will be used to purchase the welding machines, the torches, the handles, and it comes on a cart,” Alvarez said. “The type of welders that we’re looking at getting are your top of the line industry welders. They are very expensive and they’re very good.”
The Harlingen school district is planning to launch the new welding program this fall. The welding program is part of the ongoing redesign of the district’s career and technology education.
Strike is a leading North American provider of pipeline, fabrication, maintenance and other services, says the company website.
“Strike is always looking for opportunities to give back,” said Ky Bishop of Strike. “We identified Harlingen school district and a need that they had, and we thought it matched perfectly with what Strike likes to do.”
The school district will offer a three-year welding program beginning in students’ sophomore year. If they continue the course of study until graduation, they will have the chance to earn a welding certificate. That’s why the district wants to purchase the best, most top-of-the-line equipment available.
“It’s going to allow us to buy very similar welding machines that the industry has,” Alvarez said. “We want to make sure that the kids are able to utilize and be exposed to that type of equipment.”
The school district will also use the donated funds to purchase helmets, gloves, and aprons.
