Cleveland State Community College is recruiting students for its inaugural Mechatronics Honors Institute that will begin in the fall of 2018. This new approach for attaining an associate of applied science degree in mechatronics technology will be offered to new graduating seniors. Students who have a desire for working in a multi-skilled manufacturing position or may be looking to move into an engineering/STEAM field will be ideal candidates for this program. Students selected for the institute will be working not only in a classroom setting, but supplementing that learning with real-world training in a manufacturing setting while getting paid.
"The college changed the name from Mechatronics Institute to Mechatronics Honors Institute.
The name change came about in hopes that it would alleviate some of the confusion that industry, future students and community members were having in regards to the comparison of the Mechatronics Institute and the Mechatronics Technology A.A.S. program,” stated Marci Reiter, Mechatronics Honors Institute coordinator. “Therefore, after an advisory meeting in November, the suggestion was given to change the name to Mechatronics Honors Institute moving forward. I feel this definitely helps differentiate not only the Institute from the educational program, but also the type of student we are looking to accept in to the Mechatronics Honors Institute. We are looking for not only highly educational focused students, but those with perseverance and passion in the field.”
The college is in the process of meeting with local industry partners and already has commitment letters from Bayer, Denso and McKee Foods. Individuals from each company, along with a steering committee, will determine not only which candidates are chosen for the program, but also which company the student will have the opportunity to work/train under.
The Mechatronics Honors Institute will blend classroom instruction with on-site manufacturing experience at various industry partner sites. Classes such as Electrical Components, Mechanical Components & Electric Motors, Electro-Pneumatic & Hydraulic Control, and Digital Fundamentals and PLCs will be offered, among numerous other courses geared toward a career in the manufacturing industry. Upon completion of the program, graduates will earn an associate of applied science degree in mechatronics technology. "For those students interested in an engineering/STEAM path this will be an easy transition to MTSU, and possibly UTC," officials said.
All candidates will need to submit an application for the college, a separate application for the Mechatronics Honors Institute, as well as a 500+ word essay about his/her interest in the manufacturing/engineering field. These prospective students will be selectively chosen and accepted based on the following:
1. Academic success (measured through grades and class rank);
2. ACT/SAT scores showing scholastic capability (college readiness in all areas, i.e. Math 19, Reading 19, and Writing 18 ACT scores, equivalent SAT scores, and/or CSCC placement test score);
3. Written essay showing communication skills; and
4. Commitment to work in a team and problem-solving environment.
Any high school student/parent who would like further details or questions answered can contact Ms. Reiter at 423-614-8718, or email her at mreiter@clevelandstatecc.edu.