The Denso North America Foundation (DNAF), the philanthropic arm of Denso, will provide nearly $1 million in college university grants for 22 institutions and educational programs across North America for 2017, the company confirmed Tuesday.
Denso says these funds are to aid in the providing of 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,” says Doug Patton, president of the Denso North America Foundation and executive vice president of Engineering at Denso International America. “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,” says David Cole, Denso North American Foundation board member. “Supporting STEM education enables Denso to develop the next generation of talent needed to fill these roles. It also helps students find ways to translate their passion and skills into opportunity after graduation.”
Since 2001, the DNAF has advanced the auto industry through grants to colleges and universities, providing students with technology, tools, and experiences similar to that of the professional workplace they’ll experience after graduation. Denso says the proposal process for these education grants is invite only, and all proposals are evaluated based on technical merit, student experience, and alignment with industry needs.
