FARMINGTON, NM – With a $2,000 scholarship and a customized set of tools, San Juan College (SJC) students Jared Hansen and Ephraim Schofield have a jump start on a successful career, thanks to the Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® scholarship program from Grainger, a local distributor of facilities maintenance supplies.

Hansen and Schofield learned they were chosen as the recipients when Tim Tucker, Grainger branch manager in Farmington; Kevin Brennan, Grainger accounts manager; Bill Lewis, SJC School of Trades and Technology dean; and Gayle Dean, SJC Foundation executive director, surprised the students by presenting them with the good news in their classroom.

The Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® scholarship program recognizes 100 outstanding technical education students at 50 community colleges across the country with a $2,000 scholarship prior to their second year of schooling. Once the students successfully complete their technical education program, they will receive a customized Westward toolkit.

Hanson, who is majoring in diesel mechanics, is excited about the prospects of his new career. “My passion is to work with my hands – especially diesels,” he says. “I love the satisfaction of being able to fix, build or diagnose a system failure on a piece of equipment. This scholarship will certainly help me complete my education, while the tools will get me started in a prosperous career.”

Schofield, who is studying civil drafting and design, is equally eager to complete his education and begin his career. “My dream is to open my own engineering and design shop, where I produce customized automotive parts and accessories,” he explains. “I know that in order to do that I need to acquire a broad knowledge of many technical fields to become a proficient designer. Grainger has just given me a great boost.”

Scholarship awards are based on the students’ demonstration of leadership, accomplishments, career goals and a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

“We are thankful to Grainger for the help they are providing our students,” says Lewis. “Their support makes a huge difference for these students as they prepare for their future and careers. Being among the 50 students in the country to receive the scholarship also speaks volumes about the excellent quality of instructors and students at San Juan College.”

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions throughout North America. For more information about Grainger Industrial Supply, the sponsor of the Grainger Tools for Tomorrow® scholarship program, visit www.grainger.com.