Building strong, resilient communities across our network

This month, our “Grants on Track” series highlights New Century Careers, a recipient of Norfolk Southern’s 2023 Thriving Communities grant program. The nonprofit manufacturer received a $5,000 grant to further its mission of providing inclusive access to technical training opportunities in Southwestern Pennsylvania while helping employers find and develop skilled technicians.

The grant specifically supported New Century Careers’ Manufacturing 2000 (M2K) program, enhancing its resources and capabilities. Funding was used to purchase Machinery’s Handbook guides for trainees, raw materials, tooling, and online learning module subscriptions.

“Thanks to the generous grant from Norfolk Southern, both current and prospective M2K trainees will receive essential raw materials and consumable tooling,” said New Century Careers President and CEO Neil Ashbaugh.

Since receiving the grant, New Century Careers has successfully launched a new cohort of trainees in 2024 for the M2K program. These trainees gain hands-on experience and industry-relevant knowledge, earning at least two industry-recognized credentials from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). These credentials, combined with extensive training and practical experience, will strengthen their resumes, and improve their job prospects in the manufacturing industry.

Applications for our Safety First and Thriving Communities grant programs are open through October 1, 2024. For more information and to apply for a grant, click here.