DENSO awards nearly $1 Million in STEM education grants to colleges

 DENSO, a large automotive supplier of technology and components, constantly searches for ways to increase young people’s access to technical education and help develop tomorrow’s workforce. Aiding this effort, the company’s philanthropic arm – DENSO North America Foundation (DNAF) – has announced it will donate nearly $1 million in overall funding to 25 institutions of higher learning across North America to support science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) educational programming. These grants help achieve DENSO’s goal of exposing students to the rewarding careers available in manufacturing and advance the industry forward by enhancing programs that will produce the next wave of highly-skilled problemsolvers.

DNAF funds will be delivered to programs focused on design, materials management, mechanical and electrical engineering principles, thermodynamics, robotics and more – all intended to help cultivate and encourage a new generation of engineers and skilled workers. “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,” says Doug Patton, president of the DENSO North America Foundation and executive vice president of engineering at DENSO International America. “To remain competitive in this ever-evolving, hi-tech landscape calls for a workforce that is skilled, well-trained and able to adapt quickly. 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,” says David Cole, DENSO North American Foundation board member. “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, enabling students to access tools, technology, and experiences that better prepare them for technical careers after graduation. DENSO education grant proposals are invite only and evaluated based on technical merit, student experience, and alignment with industry needs.

This year’s grant recipientsinclude:

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
Western Michigan University

DENSO is looking to hire new talent across North America as it continues its pursuit to shape and improve future mobility solutions for all. Positions are available in a variety of roles, business units and locations. Those interested can apply at www.densocareers.com.

DENSO is a global supplier of advanced technology, systems, and components in the areas of thermal, powertrain control, electronics and information, and safety. With its North American headquarters located in Southfield, Michigan, DENSO employs more than 23,000 people at 28 consolidated subsidiaries and 4 affiliates across North American. Of these, 25 are manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In the United States alone, DENSO employs more than 17,000 people in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Iowa, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

Headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, DENSO Corp., has more than 220 subsidiaries in 35 countries and regions (including Japan) and employs approximately 170,000 people worldwide. Last fiscal year, DENSO spent 8.8 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development. For more information, go to www.denso.com or connect with DENSO on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DENSOinNorthAmerica.