Ivy Tech Richmond Receives Wayne County Foundation Grant for Welding Simulator

Ivy Tech Community College Richmond is proud to announce it has received a $50,000 grant from the Wayne County Foundation as part of its 2025 Grant Cycle I awards. The funding will support the purchase of a Lincoln Electric VRTEX 360 Virtual Reality Welding Simulator, enhancing the College’s ability to serve students in its growing welding program.

The state-of-the-art simulator offers students immersive, hands-on learning experience in a safe and costeffective environment. By replicating real-world welding scenarios with lifelike visuals, sound, and tactile feedback, the VRTEX 360 allows learners to build foundational skills before transitioning to live equipment. This investment will help Ivy Tech serve students at all experience levels more effectively and expand its footprint with local high school partners.

“This generous grant from the Wayne County Foundation strengthens Ivy Tech Richmond’s commitment to workforce development and innovation,” said Brandi Jackson, Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Development for the Richmond campus. “The new virtual reality welding equipment will allow us to train more students, prepare them more effectively for in-demand careers, and broaden our partnerships with local high schools and employers.”

“We are excited that a grant from the Wayne County Foundation will provide opportunities for students to learn in-demand skills, preparing them for high paid jobs in the local community,” shared Rebecca Gilliam, Executive Director of the Wayne County Foundation.

​Grants administered through the Foundation’s competitive Grant Cycles are designed to support local projects that enhance community spirit and improve quality of life throughout Wayne County. The purchase of the VRTEX 360 aligns with these goals by advancing education and workforce readiness in the region’s critical industries.