Edison Academy students are receiving approximately $1,100 worth of Kobalt tools as part of the national Toolbox for Education program, a collaboration between Lowe’s and Kobalt Tools in partnership with SkillsUSA.  The Toolbox for Education program is designed to help the next generation of trade professionals develop their skills.  Edison Academy is one of six high school academies in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

Edison Academy SkillsUSA advisor John Bogan received the toolkit for the automotive technology program.  “This is a wonderful example of how education and industry partner to assist technical programs that create success for students,” says Bogan. “SkillsUSA has provided skills and leadership training for my students that they don’t get anywhere else. Support from Lowe’s and Kobalt Tools reinforces what we are teaching in the classroom and shows the value of education-industry partnerships.”

SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization of students, teachers, and industry, working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.  SkillsUSA helps high school and college students enrolled in career and technical education programs to excel by teaching skills in conjunction with their trade, technical, and service occupation skills. Edison Academy has had 100 percent membership in SkillsUSA among its student body and instructors for the past five years with many students taking part in district, state, and national competitions and leadership training events.

The Toolbox for Education program will donate about $450,000 worth of tools to 400 SkillsUSA automotive service technology programs across the nation for use in classroom training and education.