Andy and Caitlin Baker (pictured), owners of Urban Forge in Mountain View, recently contributed $15,000 to the Ozarka College Foundation.
According to a release from the foundation, the significant investment will support Ozarka’s Technical Center expansion in Mountain View. Specifically, the gift will support renovations and construction and secure a naming sponsorship for the new grinding and fabrication lab.
“The generous support provided by Andy and Caitlin will greatly impact our ability to provide quality training to students in Stone County and the surrounding region,” said Dr. Josh Wilson, vice president of advancement. “The support from members of the Mountain View community has been incredible, and the Bakers’ commitment is another example. We are extremely grateful for the Baker’s investment in Stone County.”
Andrew and Caitlin Baker are entrepreneurs who love making a positive impact in their community, the foundation said.
“With deep family roots in Stone County through Andrew’s mother, they can’t imagine a better place to raise their own family. They’re dedicated to creating better economic futures for their neighbors and future generations by investing in education and growing Urban Forge into a stronger local economic driver,” the release said.
“My grandfather, Edwin Cartwright from Fifty-Six, helped teach me the value of using both your mind and your hands to accomplish meaningful work. I believe in the vision of Ozarka College to focus on skilled trades, and we are confident this will be one of many powerful investments in the future of our community.”
The new Ozarka Technical Center in Mountain View is a technical training expansion to serve the greater Stone County region. The center will house a new skilled trades program and an expanded welding center. The new center will provide education for college students in preparation for today’s workforce, will assist local industries with continuing education needs for their employees, and will enable area high school students an accelerated pathway into high-demand career fields.
Image provided by Ozarka College Foundation
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