Hypertherm's Barbara Couch (right) with New Hampshire Governor John Sununu, and representatives from Lebanon High School and Hypertherm.
Hypertherm's Barbara Couch (right) with Hypertherm workforce development associates Tim Renner and Matt McKenney.
Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, is the recipient of an award for excellence in work-based learning, with the company accepting the Work-Based Learning Award in the Overall Champion category.
New Hampshire Governor John Sununu presented Hypertherm and specifically Barbara Couch, President of the Hypertherm Owners' Philanthropic Endeavors (HOPE) Foundation, the award during a ceremony in Concord, NH. The company was selected during an evaluation process that followed its nomination by Lebanon High School.
Judges recognized Couch for her leadership in promoting work-based learning across New Hampshire, for encouraging Hypertherm Associates to volunteer, for participating on numerous boards and sponsoring events through the HOPE foundation. Judges also called out Hypertherm's unique STEM internship program for high school seniors, as well as its SHAPE for STEM initiative which includes the sponsorship of STEM camps for middle school students and the sponsorship of STEM clubs for students beginning in elementary school. In addition to Hypertherm, awards were presented to student champions, school advisors, teachers and industry partners.
"We are humbled by this award as we see our work as a way of supporting our community, and ensuring that we, as a high-tech manufacturer, have a skilled pool of people to draw from," explained Couch. "It is of great strategic importance to us that upcoming generations are engaged and capable in all areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Programs like SHAPE for STEM, combined with giving through the HOPE Foundation and volunteering by our associates, are ways we can do that."
Work-based learning is an educational strategy and partnership between the New Hampshire Department of Education, Community College System of New Hampshire and the National Governors Association. Its goal is to expose students to a real-world employment environment. "The hope is that the exposure will deepen students' learning and allow them to explore career fields in an authentic setting, ensuring a strong future workforce," said a company spokesperson.
For more information contact:
Hypertherm Inc.
P.O. Box 5010
21 Great Hollow Rd.
Hanover, NH 03755
603-643-3441
info@hypertherm.com
www.hypertherm.com