WCA News & Events
Next Step of West Michigan’s Life-Changing Approach to Workforce Development
Operating out of a former Kindel Furniture factory in Grand Rapids, Next Step of West Michigan is not only training adults and students to become woodworkers, it’s helping them build better lives. Founded in 2008, Next Step is a subsidiary of Mel Trotter Ministries. Working together, Next Step and MTM focus on soft skills […]
WIA Accepting Applications for New Scarlett Grant Program and Student Scholarships
The Wood Industry Association (WIA) is separately seeking nominations for its inaugural James Scarlett Memorial School Grant Program and its long-running WIA Scholarship Program. The deadline to apply for each of the programs is January 31, 2026. About the Scarlett Grant Program The WIA launched the James Scarlett Memorial School Grant Program to honor the […]
National Woods Board Summarizes 2025 Successes and 2026 Initiatives
By Amanda Conger Executive Director National Woods Board 2025 was a pivotal year for the National Woods Board (NWB). What started as a bold idea—to make high-quality woodworking education accessible, modern, and industry-driven—has evolved into a proven model that is gaining momentum across the country. I’m excited to share where we are with our program, […]