Dr. Bill Seymour, CSCC president and Hugh Cantrell, DENSO director of Administrative Services
Cleveland State Community College received a $150,000 DENSO North America Foundation grant. These grant funds will be used to purchase competency based hydraulic / pneumatic manufacturing training equipment. The equipment will provide educational opportunities for students to learn using real-world industrial processes.
CSCC was one of 24 colleges and universities across North America to receive money through the Denso Foundation.
“Many students have the wrong idea of what manufacturing is today,” stated Hugh Cantrell, director of Administrative Services at DENSO Manufacturing.
“Manufacturing is a fast-paced, high-tech, exciting industry. The training equipment from the DENSO Foundation grant gives students a chance to learn and experience the machines, processes and type of work that they might find in a manufacturing facility. We’re happy to partner with Cleveland State andhelp build the workforce of the future.”
"This hands-on training equipment will contribute to student learning through creating opportunities for students to experience “hands-on” applications with automated manufacturing equipment that will be utilized in regional manufacturing operations. Students working with automated manufacturing machines will gain a better understanding of the production process and also gain familiarity with real world applications. The ability for students to interface in the classroom and labs with the tools and equipment they will be expected to use within their careers helps save valuable time on the front end of the learning curve. It allows for educators to address students’ questions and misconceptions at the on-set, and provides for the students’ seamless transition into their future employment lessening the time it takes for the manufacturer to benefit from employee productivity after hire.
"Students in several degree/certificate programs will be able to benefit from this new equipment including Electro-Mechanical Concentration for Industrial Technology AAS program; Electronics Concentration for the AAS program; Mechanical Maintenance Fundamentals Technical Certificate; Electrical Maintenance Fundamentals Technical Certificate and the Industrial Process: Industrial Technology AAS program," officials said.
Tim Wilson, CSCC Technology Department chair, said, “From the beginning,DENSO Manufacturing Athens has been a friend to Cleveland State. Being the beneficiary of such a generous gift enables Cleveland State to acquire the necessary hands-on training modules on which students will practice their skills that are desperately needed in the advanced manufacturing sector of our community. DENSO’s investment into students will yield dividends our five-county service area will enjoy and for that, we are deeply grateful.”
For more information about CSCC’s technology program, contact Wilson at 423-472-7141, ext. 447.