The Shop Rat Foundation

Who We Are

We are a 501 (c) 3 non profit charitable organization dedicated to offering hands-on skilled trade education to our youth and creating the next generation of proud skilled workers and citizens (Shop Rats).

Mission

• To promote and protect the future of the skilled craftsman and citizens (Shop Rats)
• Establish education and training programs for middle school and secondary education students.
• Provide financial assistance to your Shop Rats seeking advanced training at recognized apprentice programs and/or accredited colleges.

What We Do

Shop Rat Education Program

In Fall of 2006 the Shop Rat Foundation began its first program to pursue its mission called the Shop Rat Education Program. The Shop Rat Education Program is an afterschool private program for local Middle School Students. During the program the students learn Hands-on skills in the Skilled Trade Industry along with skill sets in math, science, team work, work ethic and employability. Students complete projects such as custom built motorcycle choppers, customized wheelchairs and full size two seat hovercrafts. Classes are free to students and the program is funded with donations, sponsorships and personal contributions.

Capstone Projects

The Shop Rat Foundation has provided capstone projects for other hands-on educational programs such as the Jackson Area Manufacturing Associations, "I Can Make It Camp" and the "Spring Arbor Learning Fair". We believe that it is important that Hands-on Programs work together to further our missions.

Charity

The Shop Rat Foundation believes in supporting local charities and organizations in order to create an overall healthier community. The Shop Rat Foundation has been involved in many charitable events that have made contributions to many local charities and organizations.

• Jackson 24 Hour Race for Charity
  The Jackson 24 Hour Race for Charity was a 24 hour go-kart race with teams comprised of local charities and other organizations. The Shop Rat Foundation Raffled off one of the custom motorcycle choppers that was built by the Shop Rat Education Program. Several Local Charities including a local Fire Department, Girl Scouts, Family Services and Children Aid, Church Organization, Habit for Humanity, and Boy Scouts raised funds for their non-profit programs.
• Specialized Language Development Center
  Another custom built motorcycle built by the Shop Rat Foundation was donated to the Specialized Language Development Center, a community resource of West Michigan, that is committed to bringing the power of reading, writing and spelling to all individuals with dyslexia or other unique learning styles, enabling them to achieve their full potential. The Center raffled off the bike to raise money for their non-profit program.
• Jackson's Foote Hospital Pediatric Ward
  Two pediatric wheelchairs were customized by the Shop Rat Education Program to represent a police wheelchair and a chopper motorcycle wheelchair. Once the wheelchairs were completed the Shop Rat Foundation donated them to Jackson's Foote Hospital's Pediatric Ward permanently, for the children patients to use.

The Future

Nationwide Shop Rat Classes

The Shop Rat Foundation hopes to establish Shop Rat Classes throughout the nation within the next 10 years. Currently there are Shop Rat Programs in Michigan and in Alabama.

We are also in the process of creating and publishing a "Shop Rat Program" curriculum so that middle schools across the nation can integrate hands-on programs into current classes or begin a "Shop Rat" class in schools.

Scholarships

The Shop Rat Foundation's goal is to raise sufficient funds within the next two years to begin awarding scholarships to young Shop Rats to continue education in the Skilled Trades Industry

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors represents a dedicated group business men and women and educators who embrace the vision and mission of the organization.

Supporters

The Shop Rat Foundation is strongly supported by the National Association of Manufacturers, the Michigan Manufactures Association, the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association, the National Association of Industrial Technologies, the Michigan Industrial & Technology Educational Society, South Central Michigan Works, and many other local businesses, organizations and individuals.

How You Can Help

• Donate to the Shop Rat Foundation (Tax Deductible!)
• Become a Sponsor of the Shop Rat Education Program
• Support local skilled trades programs
• Work towards creating programs within your community

To begin the process of becoming a Corporate Sponsor or Donor, please call: 517-769-2100 or e-mail us at shoprat@gmail.com. You can also write to us at 11855 Bunkerhill Road, Pleasant Lake, MI 49272

Shop Rat Foundation Corporate Sponsorship

Gold - $5,000

• Your company logo will be placed on the Shoprat.org website.
• A brief overview of your company will be placed on the Shoprat.org website with a link to your website.
• Your company banner will be showcased in the Shop Rat Classroom and at all promotional events.
• Once the yearly project is complete, your company logo will be printed on a sticker and placed on the project being built during the time of sponsorship.

Silver - $2,500

• Logo will be placed on the Shoprat.org Website.
• A brief overview of your company will be placed on the Shoprat.org website with a link to your website.
• Your company banner will be showcased in the Shop Rat Classroom and all promotional events.

Bronze - $500

• Logo will be placed on the Shoprat.org Website.
• A brief overview of your company will be placed on the Shoprat.org website with a link to your website.

Donations

All donations will receive a tax deduction receipt from the Shop Rat Foundation (501 C 3 non-profit charitable organization).

Contact Us

The Shop Rat Foundation
11855 Bunkerhill Road
Pleasant Lake, MI 49272
517-769-2100
517-769-6902
shoprat@gmail.com