A donation by the Kohler Co. of gas and diesel engines valued at more than $40,000 is intended to spark students' interest in technical careers.

In an effort to promote to students an interest in future careers as engineers and service technicians, 570 engines were recently donated to more than 34 educational institutions and organizations throughout the country.

The gas and diesel engines, gifted by the Kohler Co., will be used for coursework at high schools, technical schools and universities, as well as other community groups in agricultural or mechanical fields.

"As a leader in the engines market, we believe it's our responsibility to help train future engineers and service technicians," said Brian Melka, vice president of Kohler Engines, Americas. "Through donations like these, we hope to continue encouraging best practices and driving innovation in the industry."

Kohler's donations included both gas and diesel engines ranging from 6.5 to 23.4 hp. They will help give students hands-on experience with, and knowledge of, small engines, including assembly and disassembly, components, torque values, engineering processes, the general functioning of combustion engines, and more.

Of the beneficiaries, Marquette University in Milwaukee, received 11 engines for its College of Engineering program. Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Wis., received 46 engines.

In addition, 27 high schools in six states - Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio, and Florida - received a total of 513 engines. The largest donations include:

• Belle Plaine High School, Belle Plaine, Minn.. - 24 engines
• Durant High School, Durant, Iowa - 24 engines
• Harlan Community High School, Harlan, Iowa - 24 engines
• Westwood Community School District, Sloan, Iowa - 24 engines
• Glidden Ralston School District, Glidden, Iowa - 24 engines
• Mediapolis Community School District, Mediapolis, Iowa - 24 engines
• Waukon High School, Waukon, Iowa. - 24 engines
• West Harrison Community School, Mondamin, Iowa - 24 engines
• West Salem High School, West Salem, Wis.. - 24 engines