Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is excited to announce a generous $104,000 gift from Mid Atlantic Machinery and its partners to the College’s Foundation. This significant contribution will fund scholarships for students in the Metals Fabrication & Welding Technology associate degree program, creating pathways to high-demand careers in the several industries.
Strengthening Industry Partnerships
Mid Atlantic Machinery, a machine tool and fabrication equipment distributor based in Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, has been a steadfast supporter of Thaddeus Stevens College. Through its annual golf tournament fundraiser, the company has now raised more than $227,000 for the Mid Atlantic Machinery Scholarship, with all proceeds going directly to students pursuing technical education.
“This remarkable contribution will make a significant impact on the lives of our students,” said Pedro A. Rivera II, president of Thaddeus Stevens College. “It is inspiring to see how our community comes together to invest in our future workforce. We are incredibly grateful to Mid Atlantic Machinery for their unwavering support.”
Creating Real-World Results
The partnership between Thaddeus Stevens College and Mid Atlantic Machinery exemplifies the College’s commitment to building strong employer connections that benefit both students and industry. These connections are a key factor in the College’s impressive 98% placement rate (those with jobs or pursuing higher education at graduation) and $52,500 median starting salary for graduates.
Kevin Kilgallen, President of Mid Atlantic Machinery, emphasized the real-world impact of the College’s programs, sharing that graduates from Thaddeus Stevens College directly impact improving the labor shortage in metals fabrication. The company has hired TSCT graduates not only from the Metals Fabrication & Welding Technology program but also from Electro-Mechanical Technology and Business Administration programs.
Expanding Access to Opportunity
This scholarship support aligns perfectly with the College’s mission as an architect of opportunity. By reducing financial barriers for students pursuing technical education, the Mid Atlantic Machinery Scholarship helps ensure that talented individuals can access the training needed to secure family-thriving wages in high-demand fields.
The company’s leadership also actively encourages its customers to hire TSCT graduates, further expanding the network of employment opportunities available to students after graduation.
Building Community Impact
The relationship between Mid Atlantic Machinery and Thaddeus Stevens College demonstrates how strategic partnerships between education and industry create positive ripple effects throughout the economy. By investing in technical education, Mid Atlantic Machinery is helping to address critical workforce shortages while transforming the lives of students who might not otherwise have access to higher education.
This donation represents more than financial support—it’s an investment in the future of manufacturing in Pennsylvania and a testament to the value of hands-on technical education provided by industry-experienced faculty.
The Bulldog community extends its heartfelt appreciation to Mid Atlantic Machinery for their continued commitment to student success and technical excellence.