Conestoga College receives STEM grants from DENSO for manufacturing

July 2, 2019 – Conestoga College in Kitchener, Ontario is among the 26 North American colleges and universities to receive a total of $1 million in education grants to prepare students for careers in automotive and manufacturing from mobility supplier DENSO.

DENSO’s philanthropic division, DENSO North America Foundation (DNAF), facilitiated the grants, which are focused on developing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills.

“To achieve our 2030 goal of creating and inspiring new value for the future of mobility, we need to be inspiring our next generation of employees,” says Jack Helmboldt, president of DNAF, in a release. “By awarding grants to these educational institutions, we’re equipping students – and possible future DENSO employees – with opportunities, skills, and knowledge that will help create a generation of innovators poised to transform the mobility industry.”

Grants will be used towards programs focused on design, materials management, mechanical and electrical engineering principles, thermodynamics, robotics and more. DENSO hopes these funds will help cultivate and encourage a new generation of engineers and skilled workers.

Recipients of this year’s grants include:

• Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
• Arkansas State University
• Auburn University
• California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
• Cleveland State Community College
• Conestoga College
• FIME
• Jackson State University
• Kennesaw State University
• Kettering University
• Lawrence Technological University
• Michigan State University
• Michigan Technological University
• North Carolina State University
• Oakland University
• Pellissippi State Community College
• Southeast Missouri State University
• TecMilenio University
• Tennessee Technological University
• University of Michigan-Dearborn
• University of Alabama
• University of Alabama-Huntsville
• University of Tennessee
• University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
• Wayne State University
• Western Michigan University

“DENSO is highly focused on developing software and products that not only enhance safety but reduce environmental impact,” says Bill Foy, senior vice-president of engineering at DENSO and a DENSO North American Foundation board member. “To do this, we will equip potential future employees with the skills to create these kinds of products.”

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.

DENSO is a $48.3 billion global mobility supplier that develops advanced technology and components for nearly every vehicle make and model on the road today. With manufacturing at its core, DENSO invests in its 221 facilities in 35 countries to produce thermal, powertrain, mobility, electrification and electronic systems.