The Whatcom Educational Credit Union (WECU) has awarded Skagit Valley College’s Manufacturing Technology program the WECU Education First Grant.

The grant will be used to purchase a fourth axis CNC machine upgrade and a WAZER water-jet cutter to advance hands-on training opportunities for students in the program.

“Up-to-date equipment is the lifeblood of our professional-technical programs and the most challenging to fund,” said Matt Weaver, SVC manufacturing technology instructor. “The WECU Education First Grant will have a significant impact on our training programs and the students we serve, helping them advance their careers and earn a living wage to support themselves, their families, and meet the demands of our community.”

About the Manufacturing Technology program 

The Manufacturing Technology program at SVC provides students with skills for a variety of manufacturing jobs through hands-on training in a newly renovated, working production lab. The program provides multiple pathways, including an Engineering Technology transfer degree. SVC will begin offering a bachelor in applied science degree program in Advanced Manufacturing and Design next fall.   

“We are immensely grateful to WECU and their Board of Directors for their thoughtful consideration and for the awarding of the grant,” said Kathleen Petrzelka, Director of Philanthropy at SVC Foundation. “We are honored to be one of the awardees and congratulate the other recipients.” 

For more information about the WECU Education First Grant, visit wecu.com/educationfirst.