Richard Christianson

Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Sets May 2 Teacher Prize Deadline

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LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Outstanding U.S. public high school skilled trades teachers can apply for a total of $1.5 million in cash prizes starting today.

Since 2017, more than $9 million has been awarded to 158 skilled trades teachers and their programs. The deadline to apply for the 2025 prize is Friday, May 2. Teachers can apply at: HFTforschoolsprize.org.

This year, a grand total of $1.5 million will be awarded to 25 teachers and their skilled trades programs. Winners will be announced in the fall.

Two instructors affiliated with EDUcation programs of the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America have won the $50,000 award including John Stearns of Amity High School in Amity, Oregon, last year and Staci Sievert of Seymour High School in Seymour, Wisconsin, in 2021.

The mission of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools is to increase understanding, support and investment in skilled trades education in U.S. public high schools. The prize is its flagship program.

“More than ever, our country will be relying on high school skilled trades teachers to educate the next generation of tradespeople,” said Danny Corwin, executive director of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools. “We are facing down a massive shortage of skilled trades workers, a problem made even more urgent as we ask who will rebuild our communities after devastating damage from hurricanes, wildfires and other natural disasters.”

The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence was started in 2017 by Harbor Freight Tools owner and founder Eric Smidt. The prize recognizes outstanding instruction in the skilled trades in U.S. public high schools and the valuable work of teachers who inspire students to learn a trade that prepares them for life after graduation.

“The prize is our way of celebrating the essential work high school skilled trades teachers do every day in their classrooms,” Smidt said.  “We are grateful for the expertise and enthusiasm they share with their students.”

The best skilled trades programs embody what great hands-on teaching and learning should look like in any classroom. Excellent skilled trades teachers are deeply knowledgeable and passionate about their subject matter and the potential of their students, teach skills in leadership and collaboration, and offer a relevant curriculum that is connected to skilled trades career pathways.

The five Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence grand prize winners will receive $100,000 each, with $30,000 going to the teacher and $70,000 going to their program. Twenty additional prize winners will each win $50,000, with $15,000 going to the teacher and $35,000 going to their program. Teachers whose school, district or state policy prohibits the receipt of the individual portion of prize earnings are eligible to apply on behalf of their school’s skilled trades program.

About Harbor Freight Tools for Schools
Harbor Freight Tools for Schools is a program of The Smidt Foundation, established by Harbor Freight Tools owner and founder Eric Smidt, to advance excellent skilled trades education in U.S. public high schools. With a deep respect for the dignity of these fields and for the intelligence and creativity of people who work with their hands, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools aims to drive a greater understanding of and investment in skilled trades education. We believe that access to quality skilled trades education gives high school students pathways to graduation, opportunity, good jobs, and a workforce our country needs. Harbor Freight Tools is a major supporter of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools program. For more information, visit htfforschools.org.

Harbor Freight Tools for Schools and Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence are registered trademarks licensed by The Smidt Foundation.

National Woods Board
Richard Christianson

National Woods Board: Crafting the Future of Woodworking

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National Woods Board

The National Woods Board, in partnership with the Woodwork Career Alliance, is developing a national solution for workforce training, education, and job placement in the woodworking industry.

Everyone involved with the woodworking industry knows this great profession is facing a critical challenge: a persistent shortage of skilled labor. This skills gap threatens the growth and sustainability of the industry as a whole.

But not all industry stakeholders know there’s a solution on the horizon: The National Woods Board (NWB).

This non-profit 501(c)(3) organization is tackling the workforce challenge head-on with a groundbreaking initiative to transform woodworking education and connect skilled workers with industry employers. By supporting the NWB, you’re not just making a donation; you’re investing in the future of the industry and reaping direct benefits for your company.

“The National Woods Board is not just building a future for the woodworking industry,” said John LeTourneau, chairman of the NWB. “By investing in the skills and potential of young woodworkers today, we are ensuring that this timeless craft thrives for generations to come.”

National Woods Board

What is the NWB?
The NWB is developing a national solution for workforce training, education, and job placement in the woodworking industry. The organization’s key initiative is a scalable curriculum model designed for high schools and post-secondary institutions across North America. This curriculum, developed in partnership with the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA), provides students with:

  • Standardized training: Industry-approved instruction in construction methods, safety guidelines, and the operation of essential machinery and software.
  • Industry-recognized credentials: Students earn WCA certifications as they progress, validating their skills and knowledge.
  • Career awareness: The curriculum exposes students to the diverse career paths available within the woodworking industry.

“The National Wood Board curriculum was created with input from industry and our commitment is that industry’s voice will always shape the content,” said Tim Fixmer, president and CEO of Woodworking Network and member of the NWB Board of Directors. “This model ensures that the skills woodworking instructors teach are not only relevant today, but regularly updated to meet the evolving needs of wood products manufacturers.”

Why is the NWB Important?
The NWB is addressing a critical need by:

  • Creating a pipeline of skilled workers: The standardized curriculum ensures a consistent supply of qualified graduates ready to fill industry positions.
  • Bridging the gap between education and industry: The NWB connects schools with employers, facilitating job placement and ensuring graduates have the skills employers need.
  • Promoting industry growth and sustainability: By addressing the skills gap, the NWB is helping to ensure the long-term health and vitality of the woodworking industry.

What are the benefits of supporting the NWB?
Investing in the NWB provides tangible benefits for your company:

  • Access to qualified graduates: Sponsor your local school or district and gain priority access to a pool of skilled workers.
  • Recruitment made easy: Utilize the NWB Career Hub to connect with potential employees and fill open positions efficiently.
  • Enhanced brand reputation: Be recognized as a leader in supporting workforce development and attract top talent.
  • Networking opportunities: Connect with schools, students, and other industry leaders to build valuable relationships.

How to get involved
The NWB offers various sponsorship levels to suit your company’s needs and budget. Whether you contribute $1,000 or $100,000, your investment will make a difference.

Contact Amanda Conger, executive director of the NWB, at director@nationalwoodsboard.org to learn more about how you can get involved and help shape the future of the woodworking industry.

For additional information, visit nationalwoodsboard.org.

Cabinet Makers Association
Richard Christianson

Cabinet Makers Association Launches Scholarship Fund to Support Aspiring Woodworkers

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Cabinet Makers Association (CMA) is proud to announce the establishment of the Cabinet Makers Association Scholarship Fund (CMASF), a new initiative aimed at supporting individuals aspiring to build a career in the woodworking industry. This fund provides valuable financial
assistance to those pursuing woodworking-related education or training.

To be eligible for the CMASF, candidates must be graduating high school seniors nominated by a current CMA member. Each member is permitted to nominate one individual. Nominations must be submitted by March 1, with scholarship recipients selected by March 15. The number of scholarships awarded will depend on the funds available at that time.

Scholarship recipients will be chosen through a random draw, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process. CMA members who nominate recipients are expected to present the scholarships publicly, such as during graduation ceremonies or classroom events. This approach promotes awareness of CMA’s
support for woodworking education and fosters community recognition.

The CMASF is made possible through the generous contributions of CMA members and supporters who recognize the importance of investing in the industry’s future workforce. Donations to the scholarship fund are welcomed and can be made through the CMA’s website: www.cabinetmakers.org/cma-scholarship-fund.

For more information about the CMA Scholarship Fund or to learn how you can support future scholarships, please contact Amanda Conger, executive director of the CMA, at director@cabinetmakers.org.

About the Cabinet Makers Association
The Cabinet Makers Association was incorporated in 1998 by a group of custom cabinetmakers who thought the industry’s smaller shops needed to network and help each other grow profitably. Today the CMA is where collaboration, not competition, drives success. We provide unparalleled education through shared industry experiences, empowering woodworking professionals to excel in craftsmanship and business. For more information, visit www.cabinetmakers.org.

AWFS Fresh Wood
Richard Christianson

Updated Rules Announced for AWFS Fair Fresh Wood Student Competition

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The Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS) announced that the official rules and information for the 2025 Fresh Wood Student Competition are now available online. The biennial event, which takes place July 22-25 at the AWFS Fair in Las Vegas, invites U.S high school juniors and seniors, plus post-secondary students in woodworking or related programs to showcase their design and craftsmanship.

This year’s rules include several updates, notably new “originality” guidelines and an age limit, now set at 35 years, to encourage emerging talent to participate. These changes underscore AWFS’s commitment to fostering innovation while protecting participants’ original work, making the Fresh Wood competition an invaluable platform for young professionals entering the woodworking industry.

There is no cost to enter the contest. The entry deadline is May 2.

“The Fresh Wood competition has always highlighted the creativity and skill of student woodworkers, and these updates will continue to support those values,” said Angelo Gangone, Executive Vice President at AWFS. “We’re excited to see this year’s entries and support the next generation of woodworking professionals.”

Interested participants can review the competition rules and guidelines on the AWFS website:  Fresh Wood 2024-2025 | AWFS Fair.

Scott Nelson president woodwork career alliance
Richard Christianson

President’s Message: Wrapping Up Another Year Full of Milestones!

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2024 was a year of significant growth for the WCA. Key highlights include:

  • Increased Program Enrollment: We enrolled 1,800 candidates in our Passport program and issued over 1,500 Credentials, reflecting the increasing adoption of WCA Skills Standards by member schools.
  • Expanded Industry Partnerships: We connected with 30 school districts with woodworking programs at the ACTE CareerTech VISION conference, with the goal of increasing WCA EDUcation membership in 2025.
  • Successful Industry Outreach: A dozen wood products companies joined the WCA after attending an in-house training workshop presented by WCA Board Member Bruce Spitz and myself at the International Woodworking Fair.
  • New Online Training Program: Our new online training module, “Woodworking Fundamentals,” is ready for beta testing.

Celebrating Member Achievements:

  • John Stearns, Career Technical Education Director and woodworking instructor at Amity High School, received the 2024 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools (HFTS) Prize for Teaching Excellence.
  • Mark Smith, a dedicated woodworking instructor and Chairman of the WCA Education Committee, was honored with the prestigious 2024 Wooden Globe Educator of the Year Award by the Wood Industry Association (WIA). This marks the eighth Wooden Globe award received by a WCA member since 2008.

Congratulations to John and Mark for their well-deserved recognition!

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season!

Scott Nelson
President
Woodwork Career Alliance of North America
snelsonwca@gmail.com

Richard Christianson

WCA Helps Schools Upgrade Woodshops with New Discount Program

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The WCA’s newest member benefit helps schools upgrade or expand their woodworking courses.

 

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America (WCA) is excited to announce a new program that offers significant discounts on industry-leading products to its member schools. This initiative aims to help schools upgrade their woodworking shops with professional-quality equipment, enhancing student learning experiences and preparing the next generation of skilled woodworkers.

Participating Sponsors and Products:

  • Kreg Tool: Pocket joinery, clamps, and other equipment and tooling
  • PantoRouter: Woodworking joinery machine and related packages
  • Castle USA: Pocket cutter machines, assembly tables, and parts
  • Air Handling Systems: Dust collection components

Additional WCA sponsors have expressed interest in joining the program. The WCA plans to share an updated list of discounts with member schools in the first quarter of 2025.

“By offering these product discounts, the WCA is helping school woodshops maximize their budgets and create exceptional learning environments for students,” said Mark Smith, chairman of the WCA Education Committee. “This latest membership benefit reinforces our commitment to fostering the future of woodworking by providing direct support to schools across North America.”

“We extend our sincere gratitude to our incredible sponsors for making this new membership benefit program possible,” said Scott Nelson, president of the WCA. “Their generous support will equip school woodshops with essential tools and materials, inspiring the next generation of woodworkers.”

Learn more about becoming a member or sponsor of the WCA.

About the Woodwork Career Alliance
The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America was founded in 2007 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. The WCA’s mission is to develop and administer a unified set of Skill Standards for the wood products industry. Since 2011, WCA has developed observable and measurable performance standards and assessments for more than 240 woodworking machine operations. In addition, WCA has issued over 6,000 Passport credentials, a portable, personal permanent record documenting each holder’s record of woodworking skill achievements. More than 140 high schools and post-secondary schools throughout North America are WCA EDUcation™ members and a growing number of woodworking companies have joined the WCA as MANufacturing™ members. To learn more about the WCA and how to get involved with its programs, including sponsorship opportunities, visit WoodworkCareer.org.

Richard Christianson

Welcome New Members & Sponsors!

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The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America is pleased to welcome the following new members and renewing sponsors.

Thank you for your membership and support!

New EDUcation™ Members
Coon Rapids HS – Coon Rapids, MN
East Kentwood High School – Kentwood, MI
Engadine Consolidated Schools – Engadine, MI
Florence High School, Florence, CO
Franklinton High School – Franklinton, NC
Fraser High School – Fraser, MI
nnovation Academy – The Dalles, OR
Richland Center High School – Richland Center, WI
Rock Springs High School – Rock Springs, WY
Roseville High School – Roseville, MI

New MANufacturing™ Members
Associated Architectural Products – Columbus, MS
Arrowood Manufacturing – Norwood, NC
Birdseye Building Co. – Richmond, VT
Boese Millworks – Haltom City, TX
Eastburn Woodworks – Pensacola, FL
Karl Boonzaaijar Woodwork & Design – Dallas, TX
Keystone Kitchens – Maryville, TN
Luttrell Architectural Woodworks – Birmingham, AL
Meyer Custom Woodworking – Dubois, IN
New England Caseworks – Woburn, MA
Pac West – Anchorage, AK
Westside Designworks – Colorado Springs, CO

INDustry™ Gold Sponsor Renewals
Brown Wood – Lincolnwood, IL
Franklin International – Columbus, OH
Friulmac – Hickory, NC
KCD Software – Cataumet, MA
PantoRouter – Oregon City, OR
SawStop – Salem, OR
SCM North America – Duluth, GA
Smartech International – Charlotte, NC
Stiles Machinery – Kentwood, MI
Titebond – Columbus, OH

New INDustry™ Silver Sponsor Renewals
Costa Sanders – Archdale, NC
Woodweb.com – Lansdale, PA

INDustry™ Silver Sponsor Renewals
Aiken Controls – Lenoir, NC
Air Handling Systems – Woodbridge, CT
Castle USA – Petaluma, CA
Colonial Saw – Kingston, MA
Daubert Chemical – Chicago, IL
Gibbs North America – Jefferson, GA
Häfele America – Archdale, NC
Leitz Tooling Systems – Grand Rapids, MI
Lockdowel – Davidson, NC
Microvellum Software – Central Point, OR
Sorrelli Woodwork Consultants – Delray Beach, FL

View all WCA INDustry™ Sponsors & Supporters.

Learn more about the benefits of becoming a WCA sponsor.

Richard Christianson

Dewalt Trades Scholarship Deadline is Jan. 16

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DeWalt Trades ScholarshipStanley Black & Decker has established the DeWalt Trades Scholarship to assist individuals attending a two-year college or vocational-technical school who are pursuing a trade degree/certificate in an industry aligned with the Stanley Black & Decker Trade Goals – including but are not limited to Construction, Industrial, Motor/Power Sector, Mechanics, and Technology.

This program is administered by Scholarship America, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals. Eligibility for individual programs is determined at the sole discretion of the sponsor, and eligible applications are reviewed by Scholarship America’s evaluation team.

Up to 40 $5,000 scholarships will be awarded.

Learn more about eligibility requirements and apply for the scholarship.

 

Metrica Interiors
Richard Christianson

WCA in the News: Newspaper profiles Metrica Interior’s Apprenticeship Program

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Metrica Interiors, a high-end custom woodworking company based in North Hampton, Massachusetts, initiated a new apprenticeship program that combines online training and certification from the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America with on-site experience.

The novel training program is chronicled in a article recently published by the Daily Hampton Gazette.

Click to read the article.

Richard Christianson

Amity High School Woodworking Teacher John Stearns Wins $50,000 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize

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The award winner is a long-time active member of the Woodwork Career Alliance, including serving on the WCA Board of Directors.

 

Amity High Schools' John Sterns, winner of 2024 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence

In addition to the cash prize, John Stearns, CTE Director at Amity High School, won a tool cabinet in the eighth annual Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence award program.

AMITY, Ore. — John Stearns, Career Technical Education Director and woodworking instructor at Amity High School, has been honored with the 2024 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools (HFTS) Prize for Teaching Excellence. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding educators who are shaping the future of skilled trades.

As a recipient of this award, Stearns will receive a $50,000 prize package, including a $35,000 grant for Amity High School and a $15,000 personal award. This generous funding will be used to enhance the school’s CTE program and provide invaluable resources for students.

“The experience has been overwhelming,” Stearns said. “My phone and email immediately blew up with well-wishes and more importantly, industry professionals wanting to get involved in my program. I’m really looking forward to the expanded opportunities my students will have.”

Stearns began his teaching career in cabinetmaking and furniture construction in Amity then served as the lead woodworking instructor at the MiLL National Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, for two years. He returned to his educator roots in 2020, becoming CTE Director and construction teacher at Amity High in 2020.

Stearns has been an active EDUcation member of the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America for more than a decade and was certified as a WCA accredited skill evaluator in 2014. He is also a member of the WCA’s Board of Directors and Education Committee.

Stearns’ dedication to his students is evident in his innovative teaching methods and his focus on practical, hands-on learning experiences. He emphasizes the importance of problem-solving, communication, and teamwork, skills that are essential for success in any career.

“I can teach transferable skills to students who, no matter what career path they ultimately choose, can use those skills to be successful,” Stearns said. “I can show a young man or young woman how to look someone in the eye and shake their hand on a job site, and that skill is transferable to any life path. I can teach a student how to solve a problem while looking ahead and anticipating the next issue, and that skill is transferable to any life path that student chooses. What a cool blessing that is for a teacher.”

Established in 2017, The HFTS Prize for Teaching Excellence recognizes teacher excellence among high school skilled trades including industrial technology, welding, construction, automotive, carpentry, and more. The prize is intended to increase understanding, support and investment in skilled trades education in U.S. public high schools. Stearns’ application was one of more than 900 received for the 2024 prize.

“On behalf of the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to John for winning this prestigious prize,” said Scott Nelson, president of the WCA. “John’s dedication to inspiring the next generation of woodworkers is truly commendable. His passion, expertise, and commitment to fostering a love of woodworking are an invaluable asset to our industry. We are honored to have him as a part of the WCA community.”

About the Woodwork Career Alliance
The Woodwork Career Alliance of North America was founded in 2007 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. The WCA’s mission is to develop and administer a unified set of Skill Standards for the wood products industry. Since 2011, WCA has developed observable and measurable performance standards and assessments for more than 240 woodworking machine operations. In addition, WCA has issued over 6,000 Passport credentials, a portable, personal permanent record documenting each holder’s record of woodworking skill achievements. More than 140 high schools and post-secondary schools throughout North America are WCA EDUcation™ members and a growing number of woodworking companies have joined the WCA as MANufacturing™ members. To learn more about the WCA and how to get involved with its programs, including sponsorship opportunities, visit WoodworkCareer.org.