BIG PINEY — The Marathon Foundation (MPLx) has donated over $33,000 to Big Piney High School, its welding and machining program and SkillsUSA team over the past few years. Funds were used to purchase shop equipment, including a commercial grade hydraulic metal brake ,which is utilized by students and adult learners for large metal fabrication projects.
Marathon Foundation grants support workforce development, including technical and skilled-trade programs that emphasize career readiness.
Big Piney’s program, led by teacher Brent Hibbert, follows courses that prepare students to enter the workforce or to continue their education in skilled trades programs throughout Wyoming. Students who complete Big Piney’s program can earn concurrent college credit through Western Wyoming Community College in machining, welding and metal fabrication. Many students are able to earn 18 college credits in the shop program with their teacher being an adjunct faculty member at Western.
As students progress through challenging courses in the career technical program in Big Piney, they can put their skills to work by competing in state and national SkillUSA competitions. The BPHS Welding Fabrication team won the State championship in 2023 and traveled to Nationals in Atlanta to compete. This trip was partly funded by Marathon (MPLx) as well. Students placed ninth at Nationals and the team was one of only a few to complete a fabrication project in the allotted time. The career technical program at Big Piney High School will continue to emphasize career readiness in skilled trades as instructors collaborate with organizations like the Marathon Foundation through MPLx.