DENSO Foundation Awards Nearly $1 Million in STEM Education Grants to 22 North American Colleges and Universities

DENSO constantly searches for ways to increase young people’s access to technical education and help develop tomorrow’s workforce. Aiding this effort, the company’s philanthropic arm – DENSO North America Foundation (DNAF)  – announced it will donate nearly $1 million in overall funding to 22 institutions of higher learning across North America to support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educational programming. These grants help achieve DENSO’s goal of exposing students to the rewarding careers available in manufacturing and advance the industry forward by enhancing programs that will produce the next wave of highly-skilled problem solvers.

DNAF funds 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.”

“Manufacturing and automotive companies need technically-minded associates now more than ever,” said David Cole, DENSO North American Foundation board member. “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.”

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 Polytechnic – Pomona
• California State University Long Beach
• East Tennessee State University
• FIME; Mechanical and Electrical Engineer College
• Kettering University
• Lawrence Tech
• Michigan State University
• Michigan Tech
• North Carolina State
• Northeast State Community College
• Oakland University
• Ohio State University
• Pellissippi State Community College
• Tennessee Tech
• 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