Since 1946, the NHLA Inspector Training School (ITS) has graduated over 8,000 industry leaders and innovators who have redefined the Hardwood lumber industry world-wide.
In 2012, a dedicated group of NHLA’s Inspector Training School (ITS) alumni and supporters formed an independent 501c3 non-profit organization with one goal – to provide support to ITS so the school can continue the legacy of what many Hardwood professionals would say is the most important institution in the Hardwood industry. Since that time, the Inspector Training School Education Foundation (ITSEF) has achieved its goal of providing financial support to ITS.
ITSEF celebrated an important milestone with its recent donation of a state-of-the-art auto tracking camera to the school. The camera, which tracks an instructor’s movement while lecturing, will allow ITS to broadcast lectures on a variety of topics to a broader range of students in the U.S. and abroad. It also provides the ability for students to connect laptops for use with video conferencing and distance learning software like Zoom.
Bucky Pescaglia, Chairman of ITSEF noted, “Updating technology for the Inspector Training School fits perfectly into the mission of ITSEF. As the school increases its enrollment in its online classes and webinars, the new camera will provide the best possible learning experience for the students and allow NHLA to reach a broader range of students.”
With the donation of the camera, ITSEF has contributed almost $90,000 to support the school and its students. Donations over the past several years include:
•Scholarships to deserving non-affiliated students interested in starting or furthering a career in the Hardwood lumber industry.
•Purchase of new electronic tools to enhance and expand access to modern instructional techniques and connect students with leading industry experts.
•Sports equipment to help students build life-long networks with their classmates.
•New school kitchen designed to help students manage the costs of attending the school.
•Student Relief Fund to ensure all students receive assistance when needed.
•New lumber deliveries to provide students with a real-world grading environment.
•Land surveys as the first stage in determining the feasibility of building ITS student.
While ITSEF is proud of its ability to contribute to ITS today and in the future, the ITSEF Board recognizes there is always more to be done. Chief Dana Spessert, Dean of ITS, agreed, saying, “NHLA is grateful for ITSEF’s outstanding contributions in supporting NHLA strategy of expanding our commitment to reaching more students with our educational program.”
Interested in Helping ITSEF Support the Inspector Training School?
ITSEF is committed to continuing its financial support to ITS to enhance earning opportunities today and in the future. 100 percent of your tax-deductible donations to ITSEF will be used to support the school.
Please visit www.nhla.com/education/alumni/itsef/ to learn more and to donate.
