Grainger Foundation supports local education program.

The Grainger Foundation, Lake Forest, Ill, has donated $10,000 to The Foundation of the Wisconsin Automobile and Truck Dealers Association (WATDA) in support of its educational programs.
“This grant will be used to support the on-going educational programs and services the Foundation of the WATDA provides to certified Automotive Youth Education Systems (AYES) schools throughout southern, northeastern and central Wisconsin,” said Raymon Pedersen, executive director of The Foundation of the WATDA. “We have been in the business of supporting technical education that builds life-long careers for deserving students.  We’re grateful to The Grainger Foundation for its support, especially at a time like this.”
According to Pedersen, The Foundation’s programs currently serve 1,600 high school students in 12 satellite high school programs. The educational services to schools include securing training equipment donations through vehicle manufacturers, advanced technical curriculum, and on-site assistance to individual schools during their industry certification process. The result is greater opportunity for AYES graduates to continue their technical education and build life-long careers in the transportation industry, he said.
“We are proud to recommend the programs offered by The Foundation of the Wisconsin Automobile and Truck Dealers Association”, said James Leurquin, branch manager of W.W. Grainger, Inc’s North Milwaukee location.  “We understand the need for skilled workers including the students involved in classes at schools supported by the Foundation of the WATDA.” Grainger has been a part of the Milwaukee business community for more than 50 years as the leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) products.