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Grainger gives scholarships to Blackhawk Tech students

JANESVILLE — Grainger, the parent company of Lab Safety Supply in Janesville, awarded a Grainger Tools for Tomorrow scholarship to Blackhawk Technical College students Robert Klevgard and Richard Washburn.

Grainger, a supplier of facilities maintenance products, provides $2,000 scholarships to full-time students entering their second year of their technical education curriculum.

Washburn, a laid-off worker from a local General Motors’ supplier, is enrolled in BTC’s electromechanical program and is receiving formal training to work on automotive systems such as hydraulics, pneumatics and electronics.

Klevgard is studying aviation maintenance and hopes to become a commercial pilot.

“Grainger is committed to supporting technical education and students enrolled in the trades,” said Ralph Howard, Grainger’s vice president, specialty brands. “One of the best ways to invest in the community is to contribute to the education of our future workforce.

“Whether students are entering school to retool, retrain or attain the skills they need to enter the trades, we want to help them achieve their educational goals. On behalf of our employees in Janesville, we are excited to partner with Blackhawk Technical College to build a strong workforce in our community.”

Blackhawk President Eric Larson said he’s appreciative of the company’s support.

“Blackhawk Technical College has absorbed a 40 percent increase in enrollment during the past two years, and the generosity of Grainger and Lab Safety Supply has made it possible to support many of our students during the most difficult of economic times,” Larson said.

Since 2006, Grainger has contributed more than $600,000 in support of technical education in the form of scholarships, classroom equipment, supplies and funding for program start-ups across the country.