The University of Toledo is preparing to launch an extracurricular mechatronics club for students at Toledo Public Schools, introducing members to the technology that runs electric vehicles and the careers in which they can apply it.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded UToledo nearly $1 million to support the three-year project, Experiential Learning Opportunities in Mechatronics, in collaboration with Toledo Public Schools, Owens Community College and Dana Inc. It’s part of the foundation’s latest investment of more than $30 million into its Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) program aimed at expanding learning and employment opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math.
“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.
Elahinia is spearheading the project, alongside co-principal investigators Dr. Samir Hefzy, Dr. Jared Oluoch, Dr. Ted Evans and Bryan Bosch in the College of Engineering.
“By establishing hands-on engineers clubs at our area’s schools,” Elahinia continued, “we aim to introduce students to exciting technologies and equip them with the confidence and skills they need to pursue exciting careers in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, electric mobility, environmental engineering, glass engineering and nuclear engineering, which are in high demand in northwest Ohio.”
“This significant NSF award will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our workforce in Northwest Ohio,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. “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.”
Beginning in fall, the mechatronics club will incorporate a series of hands-on, gaming-centered activities culminating in an annual competition, through which students will develop skills that are relevant to the electric vehicle and advanced manufacturing industries. Each participant will receive an industry-standard programmable logic controller (PLC).
Participants also will learn about how to apply their new skills in professional and skilled trade employment, exploring avenues ranging from immediate employment as technicians to higher education supported by scholarships to Owens or UToledo. Owens also will facilitate stackable mechatronics certificates for participants, which will count toward an associate degree when combined with part-time work in the industry.
All educational materials will be accessible via Hybridplc.org, supporting a hybrid learning model with tutorial videos, textbooks, lab manuals and exercises.
Meanwhile Dana will provide club members with mentoring by its engineers focused on career readiness and life skills, while providing exposure to professional and skilled trade employment opportunities at its technology centers and manufacturing facilities.
“We’re grateful that the National Science Foundation is supporting this impactful program,” said Dr. Constance Schall, interim vice president for research at UToledo. “The collaboration between Dana, Owens Community College, Toledo Public Schools and UToledo will benefit young students and current workers for careers in emerging technologies. By providing mentorship and opportunities for advanced education for participants, this collaboration will more broadly support the exciting and rapidly growing electric vehicle industry in northwest Ohio.”
UToledo is one of nearly 40 institutions to receive funding under the NSF ExLENT program. Fifteen of these institutions, including UToledo, are part of a new funding track designed to provide opportunities to workers with no prior experience in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
