The Yadkin County Education Foundation, a fund of the Shallow Ford Foundation, has awarded $10,000 to Yadkin County-LINKS, supporting its mission to connect local industry needs with knowledgeable, career-ready students. The funding will be used for 3D printing technology and a welding simulator.  

Yadkin County LINKS works to bridge the gap between education and the workforce by partnering with local businesses and industries to provide students with real-world learning experiences, career exploration, and skill development aligned with local employment opportunities. Students receive hands-on learning opportunities that lead to industry recognized certifications and credentials, and they work to develop soft skills such as communication and personal responsibility.  The Foundation’s support will help expand these efforts and strengthen pathways from the classroom to the workplace.

“Programs like Yadkin County LINKS are essential to preparing students for success beyond graduation,” said Emmy Corn, president and CEO of the Shallow Ford Foundation. “By connecting students with local industries, we are not only investing in our students’ futures but also supporting the long-term economic vitality of our community.”

Through hands-on experiences, mentorship, and industry engagement, Yadkin County LINKS helps students understand career options available right here at home while giving employers a voice in developing a skilled future workforce.

“We are grateful to the Yadkin County Education Foundation for recognizing the importance of this work,” said Eric Sorrell of Yadkin County LINKS. “This support allows us to better align student learning with real workforce needs and create meaningful opportunities for both students and local employers.”

The Yadkin County Education Foundation is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for students by supporting innovative programs, partnerships, and initiatives that enrich learning and strengthen the community.

For more information about the Yadkin County Education Foundation or Yadkin County LINKS, contact Todd Martin at todd@shallowfordfoundation.org.  

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