Radnor, Pennsylvania-based Airgas Inc. — an Air Liquide company and supplier of industrial, medical and specialty gases — once again is expanding its High School Welding Education Initiative.

For the 2022 academic year, 20 returning schools and 16 new schools will be participating, the company said.

“These programs were chosen based on four key factors: high unmet need at the school; a productive welding program with the potential to graduate job-ready welders; passionate teachers; and enthusiastic local Airgas champions,” the company said in a statement.

Since the program started in 2012, Airgas said it has assisted 70 total schools, 2,700 students and more than 350 teachers.

“Participating programs receive a customized mix of hands-on professional development training or continuing education for welding teachers, welding consumables or equipment, safety PPE, and other resources,” the company said. “The program also builds long-term relationships with local education leaders and Airgas welding and safety experts. As more schools participate in this program, Airgas is fielding increased interest and support from customers, suppliers, government officials, and Air Liquide colleagues, stemming from shared interest in boosting career opportunities and cultivating the next generation of welders.”

Schools participating in 2022 are:

• Anniston High School – Anniston, Alabama
• Nikiski High School – Nikiski, Alaska
• Delta Junction High School – Fairbanks, Alaska
• Page High School – Page, Arizona
• Vista High School – Vista, California
• North Monterey County High School – Castroville, California
• Minico High School – Rupert, Idaho
• Keokuk Community Schools – Keokuk, Iowa
• Salina Tech – Salina, Kansas
• George Stevens Academy – Blue Hill, Maine
• Gateway Regional High School – Huntington, Massachusetts
• McCann Technical School – North Adams, Massachusetts
• Taconic High School – Pittsfield, Massachusetts
• Roseville High School – Roseville, Michigan
• Hazel Park High School – Hazel Park, Michigan
• West Branch Rose City Schools – West Branch, Michigan
• Bay Arenac ISD Career Center – Bay City, Michigan
• NRHEG High School – New Richland, Minnesota
• Berlin Regional Career & Technical Center – Berlin, New Hampshire