When sparks fly in the Meade County Skills Welding Program, they’re symbols of opportunity, growth, and craftsmanship. For nearly 50 years, this hands-on program has helped students turn classroom learning into real-world skills. Thanks to the support of Monument Chemical’s Community Partnership Initiative (CPI) grant at the Brandenburg, Kentucky site, that legacy is getting an exciting upgrade.

Investing in a Longstanding Local Tradition

The welding program has been a cornerstone of Meade County’s vocational school since it first opened in 1975, offering students from sophomore through senior year practical experience in welding and metal fabrication. Over the decades, hundreds of graduates have launched successful careers in manufacturing, construction, and skilled trades – many right in Brandenburg.

“My goal for this program is to ensure that when students graduate, they’re fully prepared to step directly into a welding career with the skills, confidence, and work ethic needed to succeed,” said Adam Foushee, Welding Instructor. “We want employers to recognize a Meade County graduate as someone who’s capable, dependable, and ready to contribute from day one.”

Advancing the Program with Monument’s Support

Through the CPI grant, the Meade County Skills Welding Program will receive funding to purchase two new welding machines capable of pulse and spray MIG welding – advanced processes that give students hands-on experience with modern industry technology.

“With the limited budget that vocational schools receive from the state, it can be difficult to operate at our full potential,” explained Nicholas Sutherland, Principal. “Partners like Monument make a huge difference. This grant allows us to expand our training capabilities and better prepare students for the workforce they’ll enter.”

The new equipment will also pave the way for an additional dual-credit course, enabling students to graduate with both a high school diploma and college credits – giving them a valuable head start toward further education or immediate entry into the welding trade.

“Monument has been a great partner because they share our vision of safely preparing students for real-world success,” said Adam. “This investment helps ensure that Meade County continues to produce highly skilled, career-ready welders who can thrive in today’s industries.”

A Personal Connection to the Work

For Adam, the program’s impact is deeply personal – he’s a proud graduate himself!

“Being able to come back and teach students many of the same skills I learned here is incredibly rewarding,” Adam said. “Watching other former students go on to become successful welders, business owners, and leaders – that’s what keeps me passionate about teaching.”

Strengthening the Local Talent Pipeline

For Monument Chemical, supporting this program was a natural fit. The company’s Brandenburg site has long championed initiatives that inspire local students to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and skilled trades.

“The welding program is an incredible example of how technical education can change lives,” said Tonya Jeffries, HR Manager at Monument Chemical – Brandenburg. “These students aren’t just learning a trade – they’re learning problem-solving, safety, precision, and teamwork. Those are skills that will serve them for a lifetime, whether they become welders or pursue other paths.”

“We’re proud to invest in programs that build a stronger local workforce,” she added. “When our community’s students succeed, our entire region benefits.”

Building the Next Generation of Makers and Leaders

For nearly a decade, the Monument CPI grant has provided critical funding for projects that strengthen Meade County through education, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. From supporting Girls Who Code to funding 4-H STEAM programs, each grant underscores Monument’s belief that the future is built locally – one student, one skill, one spark at a time.

“Seeing students discover their potential is what this program is all about,” said Nicholas. “The partnership with Monument helps ensure that those sparks of interest grow into bright futures.”