Lockesburg, Arkansas [12/3/2025] – UA Cossatot received a $49,150 grant from the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund to enhance the college’s Industrial Maintenance Program and expand opportunities for students entering the manufacturing workforce. The grant funded the purchase of a CNC milling machine and related tools, enabling students to gain hands-on experience with computer numerical control (CNC) machining—a manufacturing process frequently used to automate the production of goods.
“Weyerhaeuser’s generous support allows us to integrate CNC technology into our curriculum,” said Dr. Steve Cole, Chancellor of UA Cossatot. “This investment ensures our graduates are prepared for the evolving manufacturing industry, where automation and precision machining are essential.”
Sarah Chesshir, Division Chair of Professional and Technical Programs, added, “By enhancing technical education, UA Cossatot not only supports local industries but also strengthens the regional workforce pipeline. Our focus on modern manufacturing technologies equips students to drive economic growth and sustainability.”
About Weyerhaeuser Company
The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund supports hundreds of organizations and programs in communities where the company operates, providing funding, time, expertise, and resources. Since its first charitable donation in 1903, Weyerhaeuser has contributed more than $270 million through its formal giving program, established in 1948.
Weyerhaeuser is one of the world’s largest private owners of timberlands, managing approximately 10.4 million acres in the U.S. and additional lands in Canada under long-term licenses. The company is a global leader in sustainability, managing all timberlands on a fully sustainable basis. Beyond timber, Weyerhaeuser is a leading manufacturer of wood products and operates business lines in product distribution, climate solutions, real estate, energy, and natural resources. In 2024, Weyerhaeuser generated $7.1 billion in net sales and employed about 9,400 people worldwide. Its common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WY.
Learn more at www.weyerhaeuser.com.
About UA Cossatot Industrial Maintenance Program
UA Cossatot’s Industrial Maintenance Program prepares students for careers in modern manufacturing and industrial environments through hands-on training and industry-aligned technical skills. The program serves both high school Career Center students and post-secondary students, creating clear pathways from education to employment.
Students progress through stackable credentials, beginning with Certificates of Proficiency in areas such as Mechanical Devices, Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Industrial Motor Controls, Programmable Controls, and SMAW Welding. These certificates build toward Technical Certificates in Industrial Technology and Industrial Electricity, with all coursework applying toward an Associate of Applied Science in General Technology.
The program follows the NCCER curriculum, and upon completing the Industrial Fundamentals course, students can earn a nationally recognized industry certification—boosting their employability. Graduates leave prepared for entry-level roles in maintenance or production, with greatly increased employment opportunity. For those interested in specialization, the Industrial Electricity track provides a foundation for careers in electrical systems or supports a multi-craft degree.
Learn more at cccua.edu.
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