Merchants Bank pledges $25K to Forging a Future initiative

Winona Area Public Schools is rebuilding and reimagining career and technical education programming for its students, and another local business has jumped at the opportunity to help. 

Merchants Bank committed to a $25,000 donation over the next three years to support the Forging a Future initiative, which will help provide WAPS students with state-of-the-art equipment, hands-on courses and limitless possibilities. 

“At Merchants Bank, being a community bank means investing in the people and places we call home,” Merchants Bank Chief Banking Officer and Winona Market President Andrew Guzzo said. “The Forging a Future initiative is creating meaningful, real-world opportunities for students while strengthening our local workforce. When our students, businesses and communities thrive, we all thrive.”

Forging a Future began in the spring of 2023. It started with an advisory group of individuals representing local manufacturers and educational institutions to give WAPS administrators and teachers guidance in bringing the program back to life. There have been incremental improvements since — expanded work study opportunities, more connections with local businesses, additional classes for WSHS students — and things have really started to take off in recent months. 

Just before the school year began, the Foundation for Winona Area Public Schools announced its annual fundraising events would benefit the Forging a Future initiative, setting a goal of $100,000. District leaders have also been meeting with local businesses to share their vision for the type of programming that could be possible with additional support beyond what is raised by the Foundation.

Other financial donations include: 

• $30,000 from Altra Federal Credit Union
• $20,000 from a local manufacturer
• $15,000 from the Farmers Insurance Corporate Citizenship Program
• $15,000 from the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #1243

Other organizations have pledged private support, while many others have increased their in-kind contributions, whether that is through donated equipment, contributing their time on the advisory group or by visiting classes, hosting students on tours and setting up work study opportunities. 

“This generous commitment from Merchants Bank will have a direct impact on our students, providing access to hands-on learning, modern equipment and real-world experiences,” WAPS Superintendent Brad Berzinski said. “We are grateful for their partnership and shared belief in preparing students for success after graduation.”

For more information on the Forging a Future initiative, visit winonaschools.org/forging.