Tools for Schools

Men holding Milwaukee tool kits

Felicia Hughes | November 26, 2024

At Interstates, we’re passionate about investing in the future of the electrical trade. Last year, we hired nearly 100 tech school students and graduates to join our regional and national construction job sites. We know the value of building strong relationships with technical schools, which is why we’ve shifted our focus to becoming a true partner—not just a visitor—to these programs.

Supporting Students and Instructors

We saw an opportunity to make a difference in the education of future electricians and technicians by supporting schools with much-needed tools and materials. Partnering with Benj Van Donge and Adam Jeninga, we developed a plan to provide impactful donations to schools that could benefit the most. Together with our vendor partners at Van Meter and Milwaukee, we made it happen.

Many technical schools operate with limited budgets, which can restrict their ability to give students hands-on learning experiences. By stepping in to provide resources, we’re helping bridge that gap and prepare students for success in the field.

What We Delivered

These are some of the tools and resources we provided to 10 different schools.

  • Milwaukee Fuel Hammer Drill & Impact Driver Combo Tool Kits
  • Milwaukee Threader with Threading Die Heads, Bandsaws, and Tripods
  • Conduit, wiring, and other essential materials

These donations went to:

Additional Local Efforts

Our Tulsa, OK Office also made a significant impact by collaborating with Broken Arrow Electrical Supply and Southwire Solutions University. Together, we donated 4,000 feet of rigid aluminum conduit and an electric conduit bender to the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT). Additionally, we provided Coffeyville Community College (Coffeyville, KS) with two VR headsets to enhance student training.

Making a Difference

We’re proud to see the difference these donations are making. For example, Northwest Kansas Technical College used our support to secure a matching grant, further strengthening its program. Seeing the excitement from instructors and students reminds us why these efforts matter so much.

At Interstates, we believe in the power of people and culture and making an impact. These initiatives reflect our commitment to developing future generations of electricians and technicians and creating a stronger industry for years to come.