Vance-Granville Community College is one of 12 schools across the US and Canada recently awarded the “Spark Something Great” educational grant from Hypertherm Associates, a US-based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software. The grant includes a Hypertherm Powermax45 SYNC® air plasma system and in-person training from one of the company’s product experts.
“This grant puts one of the most efficient metalworking technologies in the hands of students,” said Hypertherm Associates Director, Regional Marketing & Revenue Operations, Stephen Bruner. “When they gain experience with modern cutting technology in the classroom, they enter the workforce more confident and better prepared to contribute on day one.”
Since launching the Spark Something Great grant program in 2015, Hypertherm Associates has donated more than $350,000 in plasma cutting systems to educators across North America. Vance-Granville Community College will use the Powermax45 SYNC to instruct a diverse community of nearly 100 students pursuing their associate degrees in Welding Technology at the College’s Franklin Campus.
“Manual plasma cutting processes are quickly becoming a necessity in all manufacturing settings,” noted Luke Gravel, VGCC Program Head for Welding Technology. “This grant enables the welding program to further its quest toward educating learners to achieve professional and personal success.”
VGCC Welding Technology’s highly qualified team of instructors has used available resources creatively to build a thriving program. Through the additional resources of the Spark Something Great grant, the program will continue this tradition so that the College remains one of the region’s premier sources for skilled entry-level welders.
Registration is now open for fall 2026 welding classes at VGCC’s Henderson and Louisburg campuses. Apply today at www.vgcc.edu/future-students to join the program this August.
About Hypertherm Associates
Hypertherm Associates is a US-based manufacturer of industrial cutting products and software. Its products, including Hypertherm plasma and OMAX waterjet systems, are used by companies around the world to build ships, airplanes, and railcars; construct steel buildings; fabricate heavy equipment; erect wind turbines; and more. In addition to cutting systems, the company creates CNCs and software trusted to increase productivity and profitability for hundreds of thousands of businesses. Founded in 1968, Hypertherm Associates is a 100 percent Associate-owned company, employing approximately 2,000 Associates, with operations and partner representation worldwide. Learn more at www.HyperthermAssociates.com.
