‘Forging a Future’ Raises $326,000 for WAPS Industrial Technology

 

The Foundation for Winona Area Public Schools is pleased to announce $326,000 was raised for Industrial Technology initiatives at Winona Area Public Schools from the Foundation’s recent Forging a Future campaign!

The campaign supported the District’s long-term goal of raising $540,000 to advance Industrial Tech pathways, specifically in the areas of manufacturing, engineering, construction, robotics, and mechatronics. Industrial Tech allows hands-on learning where students use tools, machinery, and computer systems to solve problems and build solutions. A Forging a Future fund will remain open at the Foundation for WAPS to accept tax-deductible donations for the program.

In its Forging a Future effort, the Foundation held two fundraising events on May 9. The day began with the 3rd annual Donut Dash Run/Walk, and that same evening, supporters gathered for the 14th annual Dinner & Auction. The event planning team included Event Chair Laura Greseth, Auction Chair Rachel Stoll, and numerous volunteers. A special thank you to Merchants Bank and WNB Financial for Lead Sponsorships of the Forging a Future fundraising events, as well as many generous Event Sponsors and Corporate Sponsors.

Additional Forging a Future fundraising came from community partnerships, including $50,000 from Fastenal as a Workforce Development Strategic Partner, as well as $30,000 from Altra Federal Credit Union, $25,000 from Merchants Bank, $20,000 from a local manufacturer, $15,000 from Farmers Insurance, and $15,000 from the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #1243. Numerous foundations also added to the campaign success with grant awards, including $20,000 from the Xcel Energy Foundation, $10,000 from the Elizabeth Callender King Foundation, $10,000 from The Winona Foundation, $4,000 from the Celanese Foundation, $2,500 from the Jamf Nation Global Foundation, and $1,000 from the Walmart Foundation.

The Foundation for WAPS is an independent, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization established in 1991 and funded entirely by community and business supporters of education in Winona. The single purpose of the Foundation is to enrich and expand educational opportunities in WAPS by supporting important programs and projects that would otherwise not be available via normal District resources.

You can still make a donation to the Forging a Future fund! Donate online or mail or deliver a check to the Foundation for WAPS (1570 Homer Road, Winona MN 55987) with Forging a Future in the memo line.

Watch this 4-minute informational video played at the Foundation’s Forging a Future Dinner to learn why advancing Industrial Tech pathways is so important for today’s students. The video was created by the talented Tech Nest students at Winona Senior High School!