News
Making a Difference
Impact & Outcomes
Welcome to the Don Wood Foundation News page, a collection of timely reporting on the issues, industries, and innovations driving northeast Indiana forward. Through links to stories from respected regional news sources, you’ll discover coverage connected to advanced manufacturing and community growth, workforce readiness, and economic development in the region.
The Journal Gazette
Manufacturing the workforce of the future: Regional survey reveals northeast Indiana needs
Manufacturing has been a backbone of the northeast Indiana economy, but what is ahead for these employers and workers? That is what the Don Wood Foundation’s Next-Gen Manufacturing Workforce white paper looks to answer.
May 15, 2026
The Journal Gazette
Let attitude lift altitude: Founder's principles serve as guidepost for new generations
Have you recently thought about northeast Indiana’s reputation as a nationally recognized, leading economy? We were once, and we can be again, but it will look different from the era of International Harvester and General Electric.
May 15, 2026
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The Journal Gazette
Don Wood Foundation creates grants to engage youth, develop talent, empower manufacturing
The Don Wood Foundation on Wednesday announced the creation of three new grant designations: Engaging Youth, Developing Talent and Empowering Manufacturing. That follows Monday’s announcement that the nonprofit will invest $50 million within the next five years in training the next-generation workforce. Last week, the foundation’s board of trustees revised its new strategic plan to focus on growing what officials are calling the Next-Gen Manufacturing Workforce in northeast Indiana by supporting programs and initiatives that align opportunities between students, education and industry.
May 13, 2026
The Journal Gazette
Don Wood Foundation to invest $50 million in 'Next-Gen Manufacturing Workforce'
Employers still face “persistent challenges” in filling highly skilled, technology-focused roles, the Don Wood Foundation said Monday, announcing plans to invest $50 million within the next five years in training the next-generation workforce.
May 11, 2026
WFFT-TV
Purdue Fort Wayne opens metallography lab to expand student workforce training
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT)-- Purdue University Fort Wayne unveiled a new Metallography and Failure Analysis Laboratory, aimed at giving students hands on experience with advanced materials testing while supporting regional industry needs.
March 26, 2026
GFW Business Weekly
Questa's Compass Fund Finder to help Northeast Indiana students
FORT WAYNE — Questa Education Foundation announces the start of its new Questa Compass Fund Finder, a core tool within the Questa Compass ecosystem designed to help Northeast Indiana students of all ages discover financial aid resources and opportunities to support their education at every level.
March 4, 2026
Taylor University
Taylor University Mechanical Engineering Program Receives ABET Accreditation
Taylor University’s Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering has recently been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, a globally recognized accreditation agency for programs in natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.
October 29, 2025
Who We Are
& Our Mission
Established in 2018 by Don Wood, founder of 80/20, Inc., the Don Wood Foundation invests in the people and partnerships that help advanced manufacturing thrive across northeast Indiana. We support innovators, leaders, collaborators, and skilled workers who are creating new opportunities for the region’s future. Our mission is to radically lead the development and growth of the Next-Gen Manufacturing Workforce in Northeast Indiana.
