What's Happening?
Fort Dodge Middle School has received a $40,000 grant from National Gypsum to enhance its Industrial Technology program for the 2025-26 school year. This donation, part of National Gypsum's Giving Tuesday
initiative, aims to modernize the school's Industrial Tech space, supporting areas such as Manufacturing, Robotics, Engineering, and Building and Trades. The funds were contributed equally by the Quarry Plant and the Gold Bond Plant, led by David Gollob and Mark Dyer, respectively. A newly hired industry-trained teacher, Chris Grady, will facilitate hands-on, real-world learning experiences for students. This initiative follows a previous $35,000 donation from National Gypsum in 2024, which helped establish the school's Health Occupations lab. Fort Dodge Community School District Superintendent Josh Porter emphasized the transformative impact of these donations, highlighting the opportunities for students to gain early exposure to high-demand career pathways.
Why It's Important?
The donation from National Gypsum is significant as it enhances educational opportunities in STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE) for middle school students. By investing in these programs, the company is helping to prepare students for future careers in high-demand fields such as robotics, engineering, and manufacturing. This early exposure can build students' confidence and interest in these areas, potentially leading to a more skilled workforce in the future. The partnership between National Gypsum and Fort Dodge Middle School demonstrates a commitment to community development and the importance of corporate involvement in education. Such initiatives can inspire other companies to invest in educational programs, fostering a culture of collaboration between businesses and schools.
What's Next?
With the new funding, Fort Dodge Middle School will proceed with upgrading its Industrial Tech facilities and implementing the enhanced curriculum. The involvement of industry-trained teacher Chris Grady will be crucial in delivering practical learning experiences. As the program develops, it is expected to attract more students interested in STEM and CTE fields, potentially influencing their career choices. The success of this initiative may encourage further collaborations between educational institutions and businesses, leading to more comprehensive educational programs. Additionally, the positive outcomes from this partnership could serve as a model for other schools seeking to enhance their STEM and CTE offerings.
