At the halfway point of its annual Fund Drive, the PTDA Foundation is advancing a series of workforce development initiatives designed to strengthen the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) talent pipeline—expanding access to education, increasing career awareness and recognizing emerging and established industry leaders. As demand for skilled talent continues to grow, the Foundation remains focused on supporting PT/MC employers through targeted, high-impact programs, including:
Expanded Scholarship Opportunities Building on continued demand and success of the 2025 scholarship program, the Foundation has increased total scholarship funding to $39,000. This includes eight student scholarships and six scholarships for current PT/MC employees pursuing industry-related education. A new partnership with Scholarships360.org is extending the reach of the student program, connecting with a broader pool of prospective talent. Applications for both programs are open through June 1.
Career Awareness Through “Start Your Career. Move the World.” The Foundation’s campaign continues to bring PT/MC careers to life through a dynamic recruitment video highlighting real-world pathways, hands-on roles and the impact of working in the industry. Nearly 30 PT/MC companies have already taken advantage of this free resource by having it branded by the Foundation for their recruitment efforts. A second video is currently underway and will showcase the wide range of career opportunities available across the industry, from engineering and sales to maintenance and beyond.
Recognizing and Elevating Industry Leaders With a newly streamlined application process, the Foundation’s annual awards program is making it easier to recognize excellence across the PT/MC community. The Robert K. Callahan Advancing Leaders Award honors rising professionals demonstrating leadership and industry impact, while the Wendy B. McDonald Woman of the Year Award celebrates an exceptional woman whose achievements reflect professional excellence, resilience and a commitment to inspiring others. Nominations are open through May 16.
These efforts are supported by strong industry engagement. Nearly 200 individuals and companies have contributed to the 2026 Fund Drive through direct contributions or with their PTDA member dues. These contributions bring the PTDA Foundation to more than 50 percent of its fundraising goal and reinforce a shared commitment to building a skilled, sustainable workforce.
The PTDA Foundation, whose work is funded solely by donations, was founded in 1982 to champion education, outreach and research initiatives relevant to the power
transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry that enhances the knowledge and/or professionalism and productivity for industry stakeholders. The Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation; contributions are tax deductible to the full amount allowed by law.
