The SC&R Foundation has expanded its grant program for individuals wishing to further careers related to the crane, rigging and specialized transportation industry through continuing education courses or a vocational/technical program. Throughout the remainder of 2014, the foundation intends to award up to an additional $25,000 in grants on a rolling basis.

Going forward, grants will be reviewed six times per year. Applications are being accepted now for the next grants, which will be announced in September.

In a departure from previous policy, these grants also are open to the public rather than limited to employees or relatives of SC&RA member companies. This strategic change is among a number of steps the foundation is taking to help member companies fill the industry’s labor shortage. As always, recipients must use the grants to take a continuing education course or attend vocational/technical programs and enroll in courses such as welding or diesel mechanics, which are vital to companies in the industry. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 each.

Previously this year, the foundation awarded grants totaling $5,000 to three employees of Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) member companies. These awards were announced during the SC&RA Annual Conference, April 22 to 16, in Boca Raton, Fla. The foundation also plans to continue awarding annual scholarships to students working toward an undergraduate or graduate degree in preparation for careers related to crane, rigging and specialized transportation. The next round of scholarships will open in September.

For more information, call 703/698-0291 or visit www.scr-foundation.org.