Spark Something Great Grant

Hypertherm’s Spark Something Great Grant is an educational funding initiative designed to support the development of skilled metalworkers in North America. This program aligns with Hypertherm’s broader mission of advancing the trades by ensuring students gain early exposure to current industry tools and techniques. Specifically, the grant aims to provide advanced plasma cutting technology to institutions that are committed to welding and metal fabrication training. The initiative reflects Hypertherm’s ongoing investment in workforce development and technical education. The 2026 grant program will award 12 selected educational institutions with a Powermax45 SYNC® air plasma cutting, gouging, and marking system, a machine valued at approximately $2,900. In addition to the equipment, recipient schools will also receive an initial on-site visit from a Hypertherm Distribution Sales Manager. This visit will include installation support and hands-on training to ensure educators are well-equipped to integrate the technology into their curriculum. The equipment and support are intended to enhance the practical learning environment for students and ensure that instruction includes modern plasma-cutting methods. Eligibility for this program is limited to educational institutions located in the United States or Canada. Qualifying institutions must be public or nonprofit organizations and may include junior or senior high schools, secondary schools, post-secondary technical or vocational schools, colleges, universities, or union training facilities. A key eligibility requirement is that the institution must offer welding or metal fabrication courses and commit to using the Hypertherm-provided equipment in each introductory course. Schools must also demonstrate that their welding/fabrication program is stable and expected to continue into the foreseeable future. In return for receiving the equipment, schools must agree to allow Hypertherm to reference their name in marketing and public relations materials. This includes social media, online communications, print publications, and other forms of media. The selection process prioritizes demonstrated commitment to metal fabrication education, current access to plasma cutting technology, program need, the number of students trained annually, and the instructor’s plans for incorporating the equipment. Applications must also include a student testimonial, which forms part of the review process conducted by a team of Hypertherm’s marketing, sales, and training staff. The application window for the 2026 cycle opens immediately and will close on April 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Selected applicants will be notified on or before May 1, 2026. All applications must be submitted through Hypertherm’s dedicated grant portal at www.hypertherm.com/grant. Questions may be directed to Kerri Weeks via email at [email protected]. There is no mention of pre-application requirements or phased application processes. Although the Spark Something Great Grant is not described as recurring, Hypertherm has offered this opportunity in previous years, suggesting a potential for future cycles. However, without formal confirmation of recurrence, this opportunity is currently categorized as a one-time award. The grant does not require matching funds or cost-sharing, making it highly accessible to institutions that may lack extensive financial resources.

Emphasize current program limitations, number of students served, and instructional integration plan to strengthen competitiveness.