Volusia Manufacturers Association Impact Report 2017 | Page 6

E D U C AT I O N G R A N T AWA R D S
Lou Fifer Education
at Work
MA has always had an Education provided the funding for them to purchase the five SeaPerch
Committee responsible for the kits and the basic tool kit.
development and implementation of the
VMA’s number one initiative to solve the
Creekside Middle School Robotics Team: VMA provided
skilled labor shortage. Its responsibilities increased with the funds last year to buy the robotics kits and this year cabinets
success of the Lou Fifer Education Fund Golf Tournament. for them to store their materials. VMA will also provide
Now they are charged with the oversight and distribution instruction in 6S so students can learn lean systems to be
of the Tournament funds. They established a Grant Request more efficient when they compete in Robotics Competitions.
process that opens funding requests twice a year.
Pine Ridge High School Advanced Manufacturing
Here are a few of the Grant Requests funded in 2017:
Academy: VMA provided funding for tools and batteries for
Greenpower USA electric cars.
Wadsworth Elementary: The STEM Academy students
will be building underwater robotic units for a project called Schools can go to http://vmaonline.com/educationhub/
SEAPERCH, sponsored by the Office of Naval Research. VMA resources-for-teachers/ to find the forms to apply for funds.
THE IMPACT
Businesses
Directly affects education and training
Leverages community investment
Workforce Pipeline
Empowers teachers and students
Facilitates dreams with dollars and “sense”
Educators
Allows for hands on-experiences
Leads to informed choices
Community
Enhances value of education
Source of community pride
6 V o l u s i a M a n u f a c t u r e r s A s s o c i at i o n