Denso Foundation announces spate of STEM education grants

Canadian colleges and universities are among the recipients of nearly $1 million in grants from a foundation set up by automotive parts manufacturer Denso.

The spate of donations by the Denso North America Foundation (DNAF) will go to 25 institutions of higher learning across North America to support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educational programming.

Among the recipients are Conestoga College in Kitchener and the University of Guelph — both in Ontario.

The grants are intended to increase young people’s access to technical education and will be delivered to programs focused on design, materials management, mechanical and electrical engineering principles, thermodynamics, robotics and more – all intended to help cultivate and encourage a new generation of engineers and skilled workers.

“As a global technology and automotive leader, it’s vital for Denso to advance young people’s education in engineering, technology and other related programs,” said Doug Patton, president of the Denso North America Foundation and executive vice president of Engineering at Denso International America, Inc. “To remain competitive in this ever-evolving, hi-tech landscape, it calls for a workforce that is skilled, well-trained and able to adapt quickly. We feel great responsibility to prepare students for what’s next – for the health of our industry and their future careers.”

David Cole, Denso North American Foundation board member, said manufacturing and automotive companies need technically-minded associates now more than ever. “By supporting programs that emphasize STEM learning experiences in real-world settings, we hope to help students explore their passions, find a worthwhile and fulfilling career path, and help our communities prosper,” he said.

DNAF has supported STEM education through grants at colleges and universities since 2001, enabling students to access tools, technology and experiences that better prepare them for technical careers after graduation. DENSO education grant proposals are invite only and evaluated based on technical merit, student experience and alignment with industry needs.

This year’s grant recipients, which play key roles in training the future automotive workforce, include:

Arkansas State University – Jonesboro

California State University Long Beach

California State Polytechnic – Pomona

Cleveland State Community College

CONALEP; Technician National Education

Conestoga College

East Tennessee State University

FIME; Mechanical and Electrical Engineer College

Kettering University

Lawrence Tech University

Michigan State University

Michigan Tech University

North Carolina State

Northeast State Community College

Oakland University

Ohio State University

Pellissippi State Community College

Tennessee Tech University

University of Alabama Tuscaloosa

University of Guelph

University of Michigan Dearborn

University of Tennessee Chattanooga

University of Tennessee Knoxville

West Virginia University

Western Michigan University

Denso has said it is looking to hire new talent across North America as it continues its pursuit to shape and improve future mobility solutions for all. Positions are available in a variety of roles, business units and locations. Those interested can apply at www.densocareers.com.

Denso is a global automotive supplier of advanced technology, systems and components in the areas of thermal, powertrain control, electronics and information and safety, with plants in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

www.denso.com