SOUTHFIELD, MI, /PRNewswire/ -- DENSO, one of the world's largest automotive suppliers of technology and components, constantly searches for ways to increase young people's access to technical education and help develop tomorrow's workforce. Aiding this effort, the company's philanthropic arm – DENSO North America Foundation (DNAF) - is donating nearly $1 million in overall funding to 22 institutions of higher learning across North America to support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educational programming. These 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. The DNAF board confirmed its 2018 North American college and university grants on June 13.

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."

"Manufacturing and automotive companies need technically-minded associates now more than ever," said David Cole, DENSO North American Foundation board member. "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."

DNAF has supported STEM education through grants at colleges and universities since 2001, enabling students to access tools, technology and experiences that better prepare them for technical careers after graduation. DENSO education grant proposals are invite only and evaluated based on technical merit, student experience and alignment with industry needs.

This year's grant recipients, which play key roles in training the future automotive workforce, include:

• Arkansas State University - Jonesboro
• California State Polytechnic - Pomona
• California State University Long Beach
• East Tennessee State University
• FIME; Mechanical and Electrical Engineer College
• Kettering University
• Lawrence Tech
• Michigan State University
• Michigan Tech
• North Carolina State
• Northeast State Community College
• Oakland University
• Ohio State University
• Pellissippi State Community College
• Tennessee Tech
• University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
• University of Guelph
• University of Michigan Dearborn
• University of Tennessee Chattanooga
• University of Tennessee Knoxville
• West Virginia University
• Western Michigan University


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.

DENSO is a leading global automotive supplier of advanced technology, systems and components in the areas of thermal, powertrain control, electronics and information and safety. 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 US$10.9 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018. For more information, go to www.denso.com/us-ca/en. Connect with DENSO on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DENSOinNorthAmerica.

Source: DENSO