LIFT, Columbus State Community College Ramping Up Modern Manufacturing Work-Study Program In Marysville

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:
Joe Steele
313-309-9132
jsteele@lift.technology

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Columbus State Community College and LIFT – Lightweight Innovations For Tomorrow today announced plans to collaborate on ramping up the Modern Manufacturing Work-Study Program planned for Marysville Early College High School.

The Work-Study Program will provide students from the high school with the ability to earn high school and college credit concurrently, which will save time and money towards their associates degree in Applied Science in ElectroMechanical Engineering Technology. Graduating students will become employed full time at Honda or another regional manufacturer. They also have the option of enrolling in a Miami University Bachelor of Engineering Technology program with Electro-Mechanical concentration, offered via distance learning at Columbus State.

Building on the Columbus State’s recent National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to fund the framework of the program and utilizing the high school’s manufacturing lab equipped through an Ohio Department of Education grant, LIFT is supporting staffing the program and putting it on a path towards sustainability in the future.

“With LIFT’s support, we will be able to operationalize our hands-on manufacturing laboratory for Marysville students, giving them the real-life experience they need to move directly to the workforce, or build on it as they continue their education in college,” said Angelo Frole, dean of Business, Engineering, and Technology Division, Columbus State Community College.

“Our students will be well prepared for whichever path they choose, whether it be going to work here in Ohio, or continuing their education,” said Diane Mankins, Marysville Schools superintendent. “We are thrilled to have the support of both Columbus State and LIFT as we help our students find their path.”

The new manufacturing laboratory will include simulators, such as AC/DC, electronic motor control, industrial electrical wiring, basic fluid power, light weighting application, mechanical drives, PLC troubleshooting, and pneumatics, as well as installation, wiring, and assorted smaller supplies.

Through the work-study program, students will expand their knowledge of light weighting concepts as they work at Honda or another regional manufacturer for three days per week and take colleges courses two days per week. “We are working to fill the pipeline of talent for the advanced manufacturing industry,” said Emily DeRocco, director of education and workforce development, LIFT. “This lab is providing students with the opportunity to gain the hands-on experience they need to fill the jobs that are open today, as well as the chance to take those skills and use them as the foundation for post-secondary education.”

It is expected that over 150 students will enroll in the program over the next five years, leading to a larger pool of skilled applicants for technician jobs.

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ABOUT LIFT
LIFT is a Detroit-based, public-private partnership committed to the development and deployment of advanced lightweight metal manufacturing technologies, and implementing education and training initiatives to better prepare the workforce today and in the future. LIFT is one of the founding institutes of Manufacturing USA, and is funded in part by the Department of Defense with management through the Office of Naval Research. Visit www.lift.technology to learn more.