The welding program at Kennedy High School is among 65 high schools in 29 U.S. states chosen to benefit from a charitable education initiative by Airgas, an Air Liquide company.
The initiative provides professional development training and continuing education for welding teachers in close collaboration with Airgas associates, along with donations of welding consumables or equipment, safety PPE, and other resources.
Since 2018, the Airgas High School Welding Education Initiative has assisted 117 schools, over 8,100 welding students and nearly 560 instructors across the country.
“Our goal is to enable and empower students in these 65 deserving programs to fill their potential in a welding career,” said Jay Worley, Airgas COO.
The West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) has operated a welding program at Kennedy High School for decades. It combines classroom training with hands-on experience. Upon completion, students who pass an exam receive a welding certification which prepares them for entry-level positions and apprenticeships.
In 2017, Chevron Richmond partnered with WCCUSD to completely rehabilitate and improve the welding lab. Chevron employees who work in welding and other specialized craft services helped redesign the welding lab and also identify new curriculum for the program.
