Donation from Bosch helps District 214 students build their future
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Reaching optimal success requires the right tools. A new partnership with the Mount Prospect-based Robert Bosch Tool Corporation will make that a reality for students in High School District 214's Practical Architectural Construction program. Students in the program work alongside educators and professionals in the trades to build and remodel homes in the community.
The three-year partnership with the District 214 Education Foundation includes the purchase of new Bosch tools for the program; the repair or replacement of damaged tools; outerwear -- including boots and jackets -- for students to use at outdoor sites through winter; and funding for student internships, including money to support transportation to job sites and other needs.
"We believe strong schools build strong communities, but we also look to our community partners to help provide resources and, in this case, quite literally the tools to ensure our students are fully prepared for success after high school," said Erin Brooks, executive director of the Education Foundation. "Bosch has been a longtime District 214 partner, and their continued commitment to our students and our programs is borne out of a belief that we can do tremendous things when we come together and work toward one mission."
Since the PAC program launched more than 30 years ago, District 214 students have built more than 20 single-family homes within District boundaries, including homes for veterans. They also completed District projects, like storage buildings and stadium press boxes.
Students in the program represent schools across the District, including specialized schools, and many are low income. Many look forward to the training the program provides to receive hands-on, real-world trade experience that ensures they are college, career and life ready.
The Bosch partnership is a combination of in-kind tool gifts and a $10,000 grant from the Bosch Community Fund. The Bosch Community Fund is also in its second year of a $15,000 gift to the Education Foundation to fund the Bosch Blueprint scholarships for students pursuing trades -- from HVAC and construction to automotives -- after high school. Five students received the scholarship this past spring.
“At Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, we are committed to our mantra of ‘Invented for Life.’ That, combined with our focus of supporting student innovation in the communities in which we reside, is why we are thrilled with this new partnership,” said North America President and CEO Roger Amrol Jr.
The new PAC support program with Bosch begins this school year, with tools for the program already delivered to District 214 and will be in use by students this semester.