Teachers Impacted: Jim Foreman, Evan Williams, Mark Crenshaw
Grade Levels Impacted: 9th,10th,11th,12th
Students Impacted: 30
Description: This grant will fund the purchase of a 2-ton foldable shop crane to dramatically improve the material-handling capabilities of our metal shop. With a capacity of 4,000 lb and foldable legs for compact storage, the crane will enable safe, efficient lifting and moving of heavy metal stock, welded assemblies, chassis components, and engine/transmission systems.

The current metal shop relies on makeshift lifting tools (jacks, hoists, manual dollies) that are inefficient and sometimes unsafe for moving heavy parts or automotive components built by our self-appointed "gearhead? students. As our program expands to include automotive work-engine installs, transmissions, differential swaps-the need for proper lifting equipment is critical. The foldable crane's boom extends, legs fold for storage, and casters allow mobility throughout the shop and it takes up very little space when stowed. This investment will reduce physical strain, increase safety, support heavier/longer builds, and allow students to focus more on fabrication, design, and performance rather than wrestling with tools.