National Park College (NPC) has received a $500,000 grant from the Windgate Foundation to support the College’s new welding facility, scheduled to open in August 2026. The investment will strengthen workforce training opportunities and expand access to high-demand skilled trades education for students across the region.
The welding facility is supported through a combination of public and private investment, including a $6 million Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) grant awarded to NPC by the Arkansas Department of Commerce and $200,000 from the Oaklawn Foundation. The Windgate Foundation’s grant builds this momentum by enhancing instructional equipment and expanding student access through scholarships.
The Windgate Foundation grant includes $300,000 designated for welding equipment, a $100,000 equipment challenge grant, and $100,000 ($50,000 per year) for student scholarships over two years. To receive the full benefit of the challenge grant, NPC must raise an additional $100,000 for welding equipment by the end of the year. Once met, the challenge will bring the total equipment funding for the welding facility to $500,000, expanding access to modern, industry-aligned training resources for students.
The two-story welding facility will include approximately 8,000 square feet of lab space and material storage, along with an additional 2,500 square feet of covered outdoor welding space. Plans include three classrooms, administrative offices with a multi-use conference room, and a student mezzanine overlooking the welding lab. The facility will house 30 work booths, a plasma cutter, and other modern equipment designed to support both credit and non-credit workforce training programs.
“This grant represents an extraordinary investment in our students and our region,” said NPC President Dr. Wade Derden. “The Windgate Foundation’s support allows us to expand hands-on training opportunities that lead directly to meaningful, well-paying careers. By strengthening our welding program, NPC is helping meet workforce needs while giving students the skills and confidence to build stable futures close to home.”
Nicole Herndon, Executive Director of the NPC Foundation, said the challenge grant creates an immediate opportunity for community support. “We are grateful to the Windgate Foundation for their partnership and vision for NPC’s workforce programs,” said Herndon. “This is a matching gift opportunity and a call to our community. To receive the full benefit of the Windgate Foundation’s investment, the College must raise an additional $100,000 in support of welding equipment by December 31, 2026. Alumni, friends, and community partners are encouraged to support this effort, knowing that every gift impacts our students.”
Community members and industry partners interested in supporting the welding facility or learning more about the equipment challenge may contact the NPC Foundation for additional information. To give online visit np.edu/Give or mail gifts to NPC Foundation, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913.