WASHINGTON - The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and Grainger, a leading distributor of facilities maintenance supplies, have announced the national launch of Grainger's Tools for Tomorrow^SM scholarship program. The program provides funding for students at select community colleges to finish their second year of a trade career program.

Grainger and the American Association of Community Colleges are working together to promote the Tools for Tomorrow scholarship program, designed to help students in the trade curriculum who have demonstrated drive, commitment, and leadership to realize their educational goals. The pilot program will award outstanding students at seven selected American Association of Community Colleges member colleges across the country with a scholarship for their second year of college and a career-related tool package upon successful completion of the education program.

To date, scholarships have been awarded to Amanda Korte of St. Louis in construction technology, Michael Guido of Dearborn, Mich., in construction, and Stuart Nielsen of Seattle in welding fabrication.

"Students enrolled in technical career programs will help to meet a serious and growing skills gap in our country," said American Association of Community Colleges President George R. Boggs. "By stepping up to recognize their sometimes under-appreciated contributions, Grainger is not only helping deserving students, but they are also investing in our nation's continuing economic success."

Grainger currently operates more than 400 branches in local markets across the United States. Each branch offers customers such as contractors and facilities maintenance professionals access to a range of products including HVAC equipment; hand and power tools; and electrical and safety supplies. For more information, visit www.grainger.com.

Publication date: 09/18/2006