The Denso North America Foundation (DNAF) board confirmed its 2017 college and university grants, offering up nearly $1 million in overall funding for 22 institutions and educational programs across North America. DNAF, Denso’s philanthropic arm, will be helping provide hands-on learning opportunities in areas from robotics and thermodynamics to design and materials development.
“Innovation throughout the manufacturing industry will continue to produce more growth opportunities for students in skilled trades and technical fields,” said Doug Patton, president of the Denso North America Foundation and executive vice president of Engineering at Denso International America, Inc. “Companies will lean on this young workforce for years to come, and in order to succeed we need to empower students by giving a better sense for what they’ll experience in the workplace.”
“The automotive industry relies more and more on those with expertise in fields like robotics and electrical engineering and mechanical engineering,” said David Cole, DNAF board member. “Supporting STEM education enables DENSO to develop the next generation of talent needed to fill these roles.”
Since 2001, the DNAF has offered grants to colleges and universities, providing students with technology, tools, and experiences similar to that of the professional workplace. According to DNAF, the proposal process is invite only, with proposals evaluated based on technical merit, student experience and alignment with industry needs.
The 22 schools receiving grants include:
- Arkansas Northeastern College
- Arkansas State University
- California State University Long Beach
- Cleveland State Community College
- CONALEP Technical College
- Conestoga College
- East Tennessee State University
- FIME – Mechanical and Electrical Engineer College
- Kettering University
- Lawrence Technological University
- Michigan State University
- Michigan Technological University
- North Carolina State University
- Northeast State Community College
- Oakland University
- Tennessee Technological University
- Trine University
- University of Guelph
- University of Kentucky
- University of Tennessee – Chattanooga
- University of Tennessee – Knoxville
- Western Michigan University.
