LANSING, Mich. — The Grainger Foundation donated $100,000 to the state of Michigan’s No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) initiative and Michigan Technical Education Centers (M-TEC) near Grainger facilities. The donation was made based upon the recommendation of the branch managers of the local Grainger branches near the education centers.

The gift will support training and education for NWLB students as they pursue careers in high-demand and emerging trade occupations, such as alternative energy maintenance and development, and more traditional fields like HVAC.

“Grainger’s commitment to Michigan is extraordinary,” said Gov. Jennifer Granholm. “It is precisely this kind of public-private partnership and investment in NWLB scholarships for emerging-sector businesses that will help us train highly skilled workers for jobs in the 21st century economy.”

The grant will provide $70,000 to sponsor NWLB training for students in specific programs at certain Michigan community colleges’ M-TEC facilities, and $30,000 for developing and enhancing training programs in alternative energy.

“We are proud to support this important initiative to reinvigorate the Michigan workforce,” said Octavia Matthews, regional branch services vice president. “Grainger is excited to help with the retraining of workers throughout Michigan so they are well-prepared as they pursue jobs in the skilled trades.”

For more information, visit www.grainger.com.

Publication date: 01/12/2009