Denso awards $1 million in STEM grants to 25 colleges

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Auto parts supplier Denso International America Inc. is donating nearly $1 million to colleges around North America to support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educational programming.

The company's philanthropic arm, Denso North America Foundation (DNAF), said it will donate nearly $1 million in funding grants to 25 institutions of higher learning to help achieve Denso's goal of exposing students to careers available in manufacturing and advance the industry 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 other fields to help cultivate and encourage a new generation of engineers and skilled workers, the company said.

"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," Doug Patton, DNAF president and executive vice president of engineering at Denso, said.

"To remain competitive in this ever-evolving, high-tech landscape, it calls for a workforce that is skilled, well-trained and able to adapt quickly," he added. "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," David Cole, DNAF board member said. "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.

This year's grant recipients are:

• 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; and
• Western Michigan University.