PepUp gives $30,000 to Delmarva trade schools

PepUp donated $30,000 to Sussex Tech in Delaware and Chesapeake College in Maryland to support skilled trades training for local students. The gifts help fund classroom programs, equipment and a new regional trades center aimed at building homegrown workers.

Why it matters: - Delmarva employers need more skilled workers in trades and technical fields. - The donations support training programs that can help students start careers close to home. - The funding also helps schools upgrade equipment and expand hands-on learning.

What happened: - PepUp gave a combined $30,000 to two schools serving Delmarva students. - The donations went to Sussex County Vocational Technical School District in Georgetown, Delaware, and Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, Maryland. - PepUp presented a $20,000 gift to Sussex Tech on Oct. 19. - PepUp President Nash McMahan presented a $10,000 gift to Chesapeake College on Oct. 8.

The details: - The Sussex Tech donation funds programs and projects for high school and adult education students. - The Sussex Tech gift is meant to expand learning opportunities and resources for both student groups. - The Chesapeake College gift helps pay for equipment in the college’s new regional skilled trades center. - The Chesapeake College gift is the first business donation to the Chesapeake College Foundation’s new $3 million campaign for equipment and technology. - Chesapeake College has entered the design phase for a $48 million, 25,000-square-foot center on its Wye Mills campus. - The new building will replace the college’s 50-year-old Queen Anne’s Technical building. - The center will house advanced manufacturing, agriculture, construction, electrical, HVAC, plumbing and welding programs. - The State of Maryland and the college’s five support counties are funding construction. - Chesapeake College plans to break ground in 2027 and open the building in late 2028. - PepUp has served homes, farms and businesses across Delaware, Maryland and Virginia with propane, heating oil and fuel services since 1963. - PepUp is a member of the Tri Gas Family of Companies.

Between the lines: - The gifts deepen PepUp’s long relationship with Chesapeake College and technical education in the region. - Nash McMahan said Delmarva needs skilled workers to keep homes and businesses running. - Sussex Tech Superintendent Dr. Jason Peel said the donation will help the district continue educational opportunities for students and adult learners. - Chesapeake College President Clifford Coppersmith said the company was the first business donor to the new campaign. - Keith McMahan established the Lee & Audrey McMahan Endowed Scholarship at Chesapeake College in 1992 in honor of his parents. - Nash McMahan served on Chesapeake College’s Board of Trustees from 2010 to 2024, including a term as board chair.

What's next: - Sussex Tech will use the money for programs and projects serving high school and adult learners. - Chesapeake College will keep fundraising for equipment and technology for the new skilled trades center. - Chesapeake College expects construction to begin in 2027 and the new building to open in late 2028. - PepUp says readers can learn more about the company’s history and the Tri Gas Family of Companies through its social channels and company materials.

The bottom line: - PepUp is using local philanthropy to help train the next generation of skilled workers on Delmarva.