As part of its global commitment to strengthening communities and creating pathways to economic opportunity, 3M—an NC3 Global Industry Partner—has made a powerful investment in career and technical education. For the 2025–2026 school year, 3M donated more than 9,000 advanced hearing protectors to NC3 schools, helping remove barriers for students pursuing careers in the skilled trades. 

Through this initiative, 33 NC3 schools across Alabama, California, Kansas, and Ohio received 9,408 3M™ WorkTunes™ Connect Wireless Hearing Protectors with Bluetooth® Technology. These schools serve students in communities where poverty rates range from 12.1% to 19.9%, making access to safety equipment an essential step toward equity. The hearing protection is being used by secondary and postsecondary students in building trades, transportation, and advanced manufacturing programs—supporting both hands-on training and the completion of industry-recognized certifications, including the 3M Worker Health & Safety Awareness certification. 

“It was truly a blessing to receive this donation for our students located in rural Alabama. Students can now have their own hearing protection to use in class and take with them to future job sites,” shared Aubri Hanson, Enterprise State College Applied Technologies Division Chair. “Each expense we eliminate removes a barrier to their education and a brighter tomorrow.” 

At Fresno City College, Brett Camacho, Advanced Fabrication & Transportation Department Chair, echoed the importance of this investment: 

“It is companies like 3M, who give back to local communities who are helping make changes in safety meaningful. The next generation of trades workers are speaking up about safety and 3M is listening and leading the way.“

WSU Tech and Columbus City Schools saw an immediate impact in student confidence and engagement. 

“3M’s donation has made a meaningful difference in our high-noise technical labs, including machining, welding, and industrial manufacturing,” said Mark Scott, Dean of Manufacturing and Workforce Development at WSU Tech. “The noise-canceling technology reduces fatigue, improves comfort during long lab sessions, and helps students stay focused and engaged. It has truly enhanced the day-to-day learning environment.”

Jeremy King, WSU Tech Design Technology Instructor, added, “The equipment made the students feel that 3M is committed to keeping them safe and making sure they understand how they can take safety into their own hands.”

“The donation sparked excitement across all our sites and allowed students to explore hearing protection both at school and at home. Many students were able to test the protection at home and come back and inform the other groups about the program,” added Kira Young, Department Chair at Columbus City Schools. 

By investing in safety, access, and workforce readiness, 3M is helping protect student hearing, promote learning, and create safer environments for future technicians nationwide. Together, NC3 and 3M are building a stronger, more prepared workforce—one student at a time. 

Where the Impact is Happening

This donation reached 33 NC3 schools across four states, representing the classrooms and communities where 3M’s commitment to safety and opportunity is making a real difference. 

Alabama 

• Enterprise State Community College 

• Wallace State Community College – Hanceville 

• Calhoun Community College 

California 

• Fresno City College 

Kansas 

• WSU Tech 

• Centennial High School 

• Independence High School 

Ohio 

• Pike County Career Tech Center 

• Mahoning County Career & Technical Center (MCCTC) 

• Africentric Early College K–12 

• Beechcroft High School 

• Briggs High School 

• Columbus Central High School (Career Prep) 

• Eastmoor Academy 

• Fort Hayes Arts and Academic High School 

• Linden-McKinley STEM Academy 

• Marion-Franklin High School 

• Mifflin High School 

• North Woods Career Prep High School 

• Northland High School 

• South High School 

• Walnut Ridge High School 

• West High School – Columbus 

• Whetstone High School 

• Penta Career Center 

• Gem City Career Prep High School 

• The Ohio State University – ATI 

• Black River Career Prep High School 

• Quaker Digital Academy 

• Akron STEM High School 

• Cuyahoga Falls High School 

• Sentinel Career & Technology Center 

• Ralph C. Starkey High School 

Interested in learning more about the 3M and NC3 Partnership?

NC3 collaborates with 3M on industry-recognized certifications, including the 3M Worker Health & Safety Awareness certification and the Abrasives for Right Angle Grinders along with additional student-focused initiatives. Contact Paulina Szpila, NC3 Program Category Manager, for more information!