Airgas this month announced the schools selected for the 2026 edition of its annual Airgas High School Welding Education Initiative.
Seventy-six schools will join this year’s program, including 25 new schools and 51 renewals.
Airgas picks schools that have “productive” welding programs as well as unmet needs, enthusiastic teachers and nearby “local Airgas champions.”
"The 2026 expansion reinforces our commitment to supporting educators and students as they work to bridge the critical skills gap in our workforce,” Airgas Executive Vice President of Operations Monica De La Garza said in a statement. “Equipping these 76 programs with professional-grade tools used in the industry today will empower the next generation to fill their potential."
Airgas debuted the initiative in 2018. To date, the company said it has reached 191 schools and over 16,000 students, provided equipment and PPE to more than 800 instructors, and helped launch more than 3,100 careers.
