SOUTHFIELD — The DENSO North American Foundation announced that it will donate naerly $1 million in funding to 25 institutions of higher learning across North America to support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational progarmming.
The amounts of the individual awards were not immediately disclosed.
Company officials said the 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 problem solvers.
In Michigan, DNAF grant recipients were Kettering University, Lawrence Technological University, Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, Oakland University, the University of Michigan – Dearborn, and Western Michigan University.
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,” said Doug Patton, president of the DENSO North America Foundation and executive vice president of engineering at DENSO International America Inc. “To remain competitive in this ever-evolving, hi-tech landscape, it 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.”
Added veteran auto industry analyst David Cole, a DNAF board member: “Manufacturing and automotive companies need technically-minded associates now more than ever. 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.”
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.
With its North American headquarters located in Southfield, Michigan, DENSO employs more than 23,000 people at 28 consolidated subsidiaries and 4 affiliates across the North American region. 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. DENSO’s North American consolidated sales totaled $10.9 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31. For more information, go to www.denso.com/us-ca/en.