Light a Spark Grant
The Light a Spark Grant provides high schools with equipment and resources to start new welding programs, supporting technical education and workforce development in welding.
Funder: American Welding Society
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to 10 starter packages valued at more than $14,000 each (equipment/supplies only; not cash)
Summary: Helps high schools launch new welding programs by providing a comprehensive starter pack of welding equipment and supplies.
Key Information: Not available to schools with existing welding programs; equipment only, not cash.
Description
The Light a Spark Grant, established by Miller®, Bechtel Group Foundation, and the AWS Foundation, provides high schools with a turnkey starter package of welding equipment and supplies. The grant is designed for schools seeking to introduce welding into their Ag-Ed, STEM, Career and Technical Education, or Practical Skills programs. Awardees receive a comprehensive set of tools and resources to help launch a new welding program, with the aim of expanding hands-on technical education and supporting workforce development in welding. Recipients must report on program implementation and student impact during the funding period.
