Grainger Awards College Scholarships

CHICAGO—W.W. Grainger Inc., a distributor of facilities maintenance supplies, awarded nine scholarships to technical education students as part of the company’s Tools for Tomorrow scholarship program.

Promoted jointly by Grainger and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the program provides funding for students at nine AACC-member community colleges to help them finish their second year of technical career training. To date, Grainger has awarded scholarships to 16 students.

"Qualified, trained workers are the lifeblood that keeps our local economies going," said James T. Ryan, president and COO at Grainger. "With the demand for these skilled individuals projected to be even greater in the coming years, it is essential that we continue to invest in their talent. Grainger is proud to honor the achievements and efforts of our 2007 scholarship recipients and the future leadership roles they will have in their industry."

"Students enrolled in technical career programs will help to meet a serious and growing skills gap in our country," said American Association of Community Colleges President George R. Boggs. "By stepping up to recognize their sometimes under-appreciated contributions, Grainger is not only helping deserving students, but the company is also investing in our nation's continuing economic success."

The 2007 scholarship award winners include:
• Rola Majed, architecture, Henry Ford Community College, Dearborn, Mich.
• Jason Meuth, construction technology, North Lake College, Irving, Texas.
• Tom Frey, automotive technician, St. Louis Community College, Forest Park, Mo.
• Corey Brinson, civil engineering, College of Lake County, Grayslake, Ill.
• Gregory Smith, welding fabrication, South Seattle Community College, Seattle.
• Bradley Lusk, electronics engineering technology, Cincinnati State Technical College, Cincinnati.
• Cherylle Brown, construction management, Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville, Md.
• Dariusz Niworowski, electrical power technologies and computer science, Miami Dade College, Miami.
• Ariel Khaimov, electrical engineering, Queensborough Community College, Flushing, N.Y.