A piece of metal might not look like much at first, but in the hands of a skilled craftsman, it can become something extraordinary. For high school students enrolled in Stafford Municipal School District’s welding program, that transformation is part of the learning experience. It’s also what made their work stand out to the Education Foundation of Harris County (EFHC), which invited the students back for a second year to create custom trophies for its annual Topgolf Tournament on Nov. 13.
The students’ creations were more than an opportunity to recognize tournament winners. They showcased the technical skills, creativity and confidence students develop daily through a program that has grown significantly with the support of EFHC. Last year, the foundation awarded Stafford High School a $10,000 grant to purchase two new welding machines, expanding the school’s capacity to provide hands-on instruction and prepare students for potential careers in skilled trades.
“Our committee was looking for sustainable programs that focused on the need for tradesmen and women,” Education Foundation and Partnerships Director Trina Silva said. “We give what we can, where we can, but most importantly, we want to make sure that our money is going somewhere that will make a difference in the lives of students and educators, and we found that in the Stafford High School welding program.”
Since receiving the funds, the program has expanded from six to eight workstations that students rotate through during class to practice various welding techniques, complete class projects and express their creativity through unique designs. The added machines and increased opportunities for practice opened the door for 20 students to earn nearly 40 combined American Welding Society certifications, which verify their ability to produce welds that meet specific industry codes and standards.
“I’m blessed beyond measure because without these machines and without the grant we received, we’d still be out there with six machines, and it would have been a lot harder for these kids,” Stafford welding instructor Frank Alderete said.
Fina Cortez is one of those students who has thrived in the program. Looking to get her hands dirty and try something new, the junior enrolled in welding classes last year and quickly found herself drawn to the process of creating something from scratch.
“It was a very surreal moment when I had the welding gun in my hand for the first time,” Cortez recalled. “I felt the power of the flame and knew how serious it was. I love learning and feel like every project we have brings a different experience.”
The new machines completely changed how she approaches her work. Compared with the older equipment, Cortez said the newer models are lighter and easier to control, making her welding experience more comfortable and accessible as one of two female students in the class. They’ve also given her the confidence to turn a once unfamiliar skill into a career.
“I want to be a travel welder after high school and maybe even have my own welding company,” she said excitedly. “I always want to try new things, and I feel like trying welding was the really big part of a new journey for me.”
While Cortez didn’t contribute to the EFHC Topgolf Tournament trophies this year, Torrin Calloway put his experience to work again. He also gravitated toward the program because he wanted a more hands-on learning experience and enjoyed the idea of turning a thought into something tangible.
“It’s really cool that Stafford has a welding program because I know other schools don’t have this opportunity and it’s a pretty unique skill to have,” Calloway explained. “My favorite part is making and building stuff. We’ve done projects like firepits, Christmas trees or even a pair of dice I made on my own. I still have those hanging in my room.”
To create the EFHC trophies, Calloway worked closely with Alderete to learn how to operate the lab’s CNC Plasma Cutter, a computer-controlled device that uses plasma to slice through scrap metal sheets at high speeds.
“I worked with Mr. Alderete to create the design, and we uploaded the file into the computer. Once you put the scrap metal in, it makes whatever you want,” Calloway said.
This year, Silva invited the welding students who created the trophies to participate in the golf tournament, placing each on a team comprised of school district leaders and community partners across Harris County.
“I wanted to make sure the people who are participating, sponsoring or donating money could see where their money is actually going,” Silva explained. “They loved getting to meet those students and connect with them while the kids worked on their soft skills. Who knows, maybe this opportunity could lead to a job for them in the future.”
As the trophies found their way into the hands of tournament winners, the skills and opportunities behind their creation will stay with Stafford High School students long after the final stroke. With new equipment, hands-on experience and connections to community leaders, the teens gained more than the ability to turn metal into something meaningful. They discovered their potential and laid the foundation for futures they may not have imagined before. For EFHC, that’s exactly what makes investing worthwhile.