LPS-Kawasaki partnership receives $117,000 grant

A partnership between Lincoln Public Schools and Kawasaki recently received a $117,000 grant from the state that will fund efforts to encourage careers in manufacturing and engineering.

Each year, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development awards $250,000 in Developing Youth Talent Initiative grants to Nebraska-based companies that partner with area school districts. These consortiums implement programs to inform, engage and inspire seventh- and eighth-grade students to explore high-demand careers throughout Nebraska.

The LPS-Kawasaki partnership received this year’s largest grant. The company expects to work with up to 9,000 students across all 12 LPS middle schools. Kawasaki’s program will feature hands-on activities and instructional videos, virtual field trips and opportunities for teachers to learn onsite at the company’s facilities.

"Lincoln Public Schools is excited to partner with Kawasaki in order to expose students to careers in manufacturing and provide students with multiple learning opportunities with a local industry leader," said LPS Career & Technical Education Specialist Jason Thomsen.

Kawasaki Assistant Manager of Safety, Training and Development Jim Townsend echoed that excitement.

“The grant will not only help make this project successful, but will help establish a pipeline for students to enter manufacturing careers and develop our future workforce,” said Jim Townsend, Kawasaki’s assistant manager of safety, training and development.

 

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