Kaptur Celebrates $1 Million NSF Award to University of Toledo for Mechatronics Program
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced that the University of Toledo has been awarded $999,648 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support the "Explorations: Experiential Learning Opportunities in Mechatronics" project. This three-year initiative aims to provide 150 high school students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds with hands-on learning opportunities focused on electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing.
The project, spearheaded by Principal Investigator Dr. Mohammad Elahinia and co-principal investigators Dr. Samir Hefzy, Dr. Jared Oluoch, Dr. Ted Evans, and Bryan Bosch will involve collaboration with Toledo Public Schools, Owens Community College, and Dana Incorporated. Students will participate in an after-school Mechatronics Club, receiving industry-standard training with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and engaging in hybrid, gaming-centered, and experiential learning activities. The program will culminate in an annual team-based competition that showcases the students' skills and innovations.
"This significant NSF award will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our workforce in Northwest Ohio," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). "By engaging our youth in cutting-edge education and providing them with practical skills and industry exposure, we are not only fostering their career readiness but also driving the economic revitalization of our region."
“The University of Toledo’s College of Engineering prides itself on experiential learning, and we’re excited to extend this opportunity to area middle and high school students thanks to funding from the National Science Foundation,” said Dr. Mohammad Elahinia, interim dean of the UToledo College of Engineering and a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering.“By establishing hands-on engineers clubs at our area’s schools, we aim to introduce students to exciting technologies and equip them with the confidence and skills they need to pursue exciting careers in AI, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, electric mobility, environmental engineering, glass engineering and nuclear engineering, which are in high demand in northwest Ohio.”
“Toledo Public Schools is excited to participate in this innovative program. Students from high and middle schools in Toledo will benefit from the learning opportunities and experiences associated with this project. This project is aligned with the district's new state-of-the-art electric vehicle center at the Toledo Technology Academy of Engineering which will open in early August. This facility promises students hands-on learning options that will broaden their engineering skills,” said Dr. Romules Durant - CEO/Superintendent, of Toledo Public Schools.
“Owens Community College is thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking collaboration,” said Baqer Aljabr, Interim Co-Dean of the School of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics at Owens Community College. "This initiative not only aligns with our commitment to providing practical, industry-relevant education but also aims to recruit and support these students with scholarships, fostering a diverse and skilled advanced manufacturing workforce in northwest Ohio.’’
“We are excited to be part of this innovative partnership with academia, industry, and government working together to find a better way to develop and nurture technology talent," said Christophe Dominiak, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Dana. “By providing experiential learning opportunities in mechatronics, Dana looks forward to equipping youth with the interests, confidence, and skills needed to pursue various career opportunities in industry.”
Dana Incorporated will play a pivotal role in mentoring students and providing insights into professional and skilled trade employment opportunities at their technology centers and manufacturing facilities. This collaboration ensures that students not only acquire technical skills but also gain valuable career readiness and life skills.
To maximize the project's broader impacts, all educational materials will be accessible via Hybridplc.org, supporting a hybrid learning model with tutorial videos, textbooks, lab manuals, and exercises. This open-access resource will help students develop both basic and advanced competencies in mechatronics.
The NSF award, supported by the Discovery Research preK-12 program (DRK-12), underscores the importance of enhancing STEM education and providing innovative resources and models to educators and students alike.
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