In Batesville, Indiana, a newly designated Ford NGL community, a transformative experience is taking shape for students, educators, and the entire community. At the heart of this transformation is the Innovation Center, a hub for both learning and engagement. Mark Struewing, the inaugural welding instructor, is one of several key figures driving this change. Beyond his role in the classroom, Mark is also in charge of transportation maintenance, servicing the school-owned buses and stepping in as a backup bus driver when needed. His multifaceted role highlights the community’s deep-rooted commitment to learning and growth, reflecting the collective efforts that brought the Innovation Center to life. Together with other educators and local leaders, Mark demonstrates how a small town can harness its resources to create lasting, positive outcomes for students and the broader community.
Under Mark’s guidance, students are exploring welding in innovative ways that go beyond traditional expectations. This reflects the mindset Batesville is fostering, where hands-on learning thrives and students are encouraged to think outside the box. Mark’s enthusiasm for welding, paired with his genuine connection to students, has made him a favorite. He not only teaches the technical aspects of welding but also inspires students to infuse their work with creativity, making the craft their own.
In addition to fostering creativity, Mark is deeply committed to preparing students for real-world success. Batesville’s welding program offers students the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications, giving them a head start in a high-demand field. Mark is particularly excited about expanding these opportunities with OSHA certifications, which will further enhance students’ job prospects and equip them with essential skills for the workplace.
Parents, many of whom had long hoped for opportunities to learn welding, can now witness their children mastering these skills in a state-of-the-art environment. Local businesses, like Wood-Mizer, have generously contributed equipment, and grants have enabled the Batesville Innovation Center to grow, enhancing learning opportunities for both students and the broader community.
More than just a facility, the Innovation Center stands as a testament to the power of a community working together towards a shared vision. It’s a place where students and residents alike can learn and grow, a resource open to all, symbolizing the community’s commitment to nurturing local talent and investing in its future.
Andy Allen, the high school principal, along with the leadership team, have been instrumental in bringing this work to life, highlighting the value of collaboration and innovative thinking. From leveraging Mark’s welding expertise to his continued maintenance role, they’ve demonstrated a mindset of growth, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to the students and the community.
What makes Batesville’s designation as a Ford NGL community so significant is that it provides others with a framework for these kinds of initiatives. Ford NGL emphasizes the importance of aligning education with the needs of the community and local industry, ensuring students not only graduate but graduate with skills that are relevant in today’s workforce. The welding program, with the possibility for students to earn industry-recognized certifications, is one clear example of how Batesville is taking that mission to heart. It’s also an example of how learning doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s woven into the fabric of the community.
