Educators can apply to receive a Powermax45 SYNC plasma system and training
Hypertherm Associates, a U.S.-based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, opened its Spark Something Great educational grant program in January and the deadline is quickly approaching. Submissions are due by Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Educators at U.S. and Canadian public and not-for-profit institutions, including junior high school, high school, secondary, post-secondary technical, vocational schools, colleges, and universities that offer welding or metal fabrication are encouraged to apply. Winning grantees will receive a Powermax45 SYNC® air plasma system and in-person training from a Hypertherm product expert.
Since launching the Spark Something Great grant program in 2015, Hypertherm Associates has donated 124 Powermax 45-amp plasma cutting systems to schools across North America, an investment valued at more than $350,000. The program will continue to grow this year, with 12 additional schools set to be notified on May 1, 2026 that they will receive the grant.
Manufacturers across North America are facing a widening skills gap as experienced workers retire and fewer young people enter the trades. According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the average manufacturer had approximately 4.2% positions unfilled in the third quarter of 2025, with nearly one in four reporting vacancy rates above 5%.
“This grant puts one of the most efficient metalworking technologies in the hands of students,” said Hypertherm Associates Director, Regional Marketing & Revenue Operations, Stephen Bruner. “When they gain experience with modern cutting technology in the classroom, they enter the workforce more confident and better prepared to contribute on day one.”
For more information and to apply, qualifying public and not-for-profit institutions can visit www.hypertherm.com/grant.
