[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 11, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S6108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO COOPER TOOLS/NICHOLSON FILE

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, the National Association of State 
Directors of Vocational Technical Education Consortium recently 
recognized Cooper Tools/Nicholson File of Cullman, AL, for their 
commitment to vocational education. I, too, would like to commend 
Cooper Tools/Nicholson File for their exemplary contributions to the 
community of Cullman, AL, in regards to vocational training. If I may, 
Mr. President, I would like to briefly outline some of the innovative 
projects Cooper Tools/Nicholson File has initiated.
  In 1985, Nicholson File helped the Cullman County Area Vocational 
Center take a giant leap toward educational excellence by adopting the 
school as its partner. As the first step, the company donated to the 
school hand tools and power equipment worth more than $254,000.
  In addition, Nicholson File began a scholarship program for 
vocational students to attend Wallace State Community College. To date, 
24 students have attended the college, using gifts totaling $48,000.
  In 1986, Cooper Tools initiated Project PACE--Partnership To Aid 
Career Education. Project PACE gave selected vocational schools an 
unrestricted grant of $10,000 each for teacher development and 
recognition, student incentives and recognition, curriculum improvement 
or new technology, or community outreach. A national panel chose three 
schools to receive additional PACEsetter Awards totaling $50,000. 
Cullman County Area Vocational Center won an additional grant of 
$25,000 for a student recognition/scholarship program. In 1995, the 
school won a $20,000 award for curriculum improvement.
  ComSAVE, another collaborative venture between the school and 
Nicholson File was instrumental in the implementation of the tech prep 
initiative in Cullman County. Other efforts have led to new programs, 
including CAD and Computer Electronics.
  As you can see, Mr. President, Cooper Tools/Nicholson File has taken 
a very proactive approach in regards to vocational education. Cooper 
Tools/Nicholson File is setting a standard which I hope others will 
emulate.

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