As many industries anticipate a shortage of STEM-educated workers in the future, automotive parts supplier DENSO is working to solve the problem on the ground.
The DENSO North America Foundation (DNAF) recently announced its list of 24 schools across the US and Canada to receive grants towards advancing STEM education. Since 2001, schools with STEM and engineering projects in need of funding can apply to DENSO to be a part of the grant, while other funding goes straight to the improvement and building of engineering and manufacturing facilities on educational campuses across North America.
With this infusion of funds, DENSO hopes to give students more space to work with technology hands-on, and build a love for engineering and manufacturing.
The Manufacturing Learning Center at Michigan State University was funded by a grant from DENSO. (Image courtesy of DENSO North America)
"The best learning experiences are when things don't work how you expected them to work, or how the textbook explained," said Doug Patton, president of the DENSO North America Foundation and executive vice president of engineering at DENSO International America.
"That's why we want students to get their hands on technology. They need to get their hands dirty and figure out how things work, how to fix, test and develop technology, how to innovate and think creatively," Patton added.
On top of this annual $1 million grant, the company supports numerous community and educational outreach initiatives aimed at building interest in engineering and STEM fields, and getting students to think about an educational or career path they may not have considered before.
DENSO supports several popular engineering and STEM outreach programs for high school and college students, including:
FIRST Robotics
A student works on her robot for the FIRST robotics competition. (Image courtesy of DENSO.)
The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition in Science, Technology) Robotics competition is held for high school students to get hands-on with robots in a controlled competitive environment. Student teams build and compete with their bots in this annual event to win prizes and notoriety.
Baja SAE Series
The Baja SAE Series tasks college teams with building and racing an off road vehicle. (Image courtesy of DENSO.)
Schools across the US and Canada compete in the Baja SAE competition and race, hosted by SAE International.
Teams have applied for and received funding from DENSO for the event, which takes place at multiple locations throughout the year. Engineering student teams design, build and race an off-road vehicle to determine the champion.
Looking to the Future
The DENSO North America Foundation has made an effort to support STEM education and interest across the continent. Their outlook goes beyond just providing funding - they want to get involved.
"The Foundation not only focuses on engineering programs, but also skilled trades and robots, as these are becoming increasingly important in the automotive and technology industries," said Mike Brackett, member of the DNAF Board of Directors and senior vice president at DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee.
"Many students have an incorrect image of what manufacturing is today. It's very high tech, interesting and exciting! Through hands-on programs, students can find out if they excel in these much needed areas. These may be the same people who loved to tinker with cars, or take things apart and put them back together; however, until they obtain hands-on experience with robotics or skilled trades, they probably don't know how they can translate these passions into a career," Brackett noted.
With an impending STEM workforce shortage on the horizon, the efforts of DENSO, among other companies looking to the future, may be what carries the industry forward.
It goes beyond just education - building interest in technology and engineering will make a difference in the coming generations.
For more information, check out the DENSO North America Foundation website.