National Park College (NPC) received a $349,892 Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. government’s independent science agency. NPC also applied and was selected for the NSF Mentor Connect program, a yearlong, competitive peer mentoring experience.
The three-year grant will fund the College’s Training Industrial Technicians for Today and Tomorrow initiative, which is designed to update the Industrial Technology program.
"Growing industry demand and a decline in enrollment in Industrial Technology programs has led to a significant shortage of available skilled industrial automation technicians nationwide. This project aims to increase this pipeline for local industry by aligning current programming with the future of manufacturing, capitalizing on the next industrial revolution known as Industry 4.0, which focuses on automation and robotic integration in the manufacturing process," said vice president for Workforce, Dr. Bill Allison.
This project will develop stackable credentials beginning at the high school level and eventually resulting in a new Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Automation. The team hopes to also create seamless pathways for nontraditional students to move into the discipline and other related fields of study. Allison said the project’s ultimate goal is to ensure graduating students are prepared for the emerging technologies needed in the workplace.
