Fueling Passion, Supporting Futures
When Interstates team members are passionate about something, the Interstates Foundation is proud to come alongside them and help turn that passion into impact.
That’s exactly what happened with this local CTE (Career & Technical Education) program, supported by the Foundation and championed by Travis Andersen, Lead Technical Instructor based in Sioux Center, IA. Donations from the Foundation helped provide materials that directly shaped students’ learning experiences — giving them the chance to build real-world skills in a hands-on environment. Here’s what Travis had to say about why this program matters and the role Interstates plays in making it happen.
"In today’s world, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for students to explore the full range of career opportunities available to them, especially in CTE and STEM programs, due to limited resources in our schools. These CTE and STEM programs often require more materials, equipment, and hands-on learning opportunities than traditional classrooms can offer. That’s where our local CTE Boosters step up and help make a difference.
The CTE Booster program supports CTE teachers and classrooms from elementary through high school by providing resources that might otherwise be out of reach. This includes exciting hands-on tools and experiences like 3D printers in elementary schools, robotics labs in middle schools, building sets for after-school programs, additional welders for shop classes, small engines for mechanical training, and kitchen lab equipment like blenders and other culinary tools. We also help cover travel costs for students attending competitions and conventions, ensuring that financial burdens don’t prevent them from participating in life-changing opportunities.
Our goal is to expose more students to a wider range of career paths, beyond the traditional ones they typically hear about, and help prepare them for success in those fields (hopefully locally). With strong local support, we can show students, teachers, and families that our community values their growth and is committed to investing in a strong future workforce. It has been a great experience being a part of this group, and it has been so rewarding seeing all the students who have seen the benefits of the CTE Boosters firsthand and the teachers who get to do what they love with the resources they need. I am so blessed to live in a community where something like the CTE Booster program can happen, and I get to work for a company that helps support that vision. Together, we’re helping build a stronger community, one student at a time."
Interstates is also a potential employer, spotlighting how we’re not only investing in students today but also in the community and workforce of tomorrow.