For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: March 6, 2024
3M invests $7,500 in scholarships for Electro-Mechanical Technology program
Fennimore -Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is the recipient of a $7,500 grant from 3M. The 3M Manufacturing and Academic Partnerships (MAP) program is a vital initiative designed to address the growing challenge in the United States of a shortage of skilled trade workers. This program was launched by 3M in response to the increasing retirement rate among the older workforce at some of its plants, leaving a void in skilled labor that needs to be filled.
The program’s primary objective is to bridge the gap between the retiring workforce and the incoming generation of skilled trade workers. To achieve this, 3M collaborates with local high schools and community colleges to connect students with promising careers in the manufacturing sector. To support this mission, the Electro-Mechanical Technology program at Southwest Tech has received generous grants of $7,500 in scholarships annually from 3M since 2018.
“This gift from 3M will go a long way to helping our students access a brighter future,” said Angie Herting, director of development and major gifts. “The scholarships we will be offering, thanks to 3M, will make a significant impact for our students and rural workforce vitality.”
The focus of the program is to provide a comprehensive education in mechatronics, a multidisciplinary field that combines mechanical and electronic engineering. This robust mechatronics curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the manufacturing industry, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the challenges and demands of the modern workforce.
One of the key aspects of the program is its emphasis on hands-on work-based learning. Students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also engage in practical, real-world experiences. This approach helps them apply what they have learned in a meaningful way, making them more competitive and job-ready upon graduation.
The program facilitates interaction between students and 3M employees who serve as guest speakers. These experts from 3M share their valuable insights and experiences, providing students with a glimpse into the industry and its various career opportunities. This mentorship and exposure to industry professionals are crucial for helping students make informed decisions about their future careers.
More information about Southwest Tech’s Electro-Mechanical Technology program: www.swtc.edu/electromech.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare students for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |