The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) Education Foundation awarded Waubonsee Community College $25,000 in scholarship funds for meeting a series of set standards and performing at a high level of active engagement to foster greater educational opportunities within the field of manufacturing. Waubonsee Community College is one of six institutions across the state that is receiving a scholarship from the IMA Education Foundation this summer.
Waubonsee Community College prides itself on being able to give its students the full manufacturing process, “from art to part.” The manufacturing program at Waubonsee encompasses four major disciplines, including: Automation, Machine Tool Technology/Precision Machining, Computer Aided Design, and Welding. Waubonsee is a proud member of the Illinois Network for Advanced Manufacturing. It supports the Stackable Certification System endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturers and the IMA.
"Waubonsee is extremely grateful for the generous donation from the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association Education Foundation," said Waubonsee President Dr. Christine Sobek. "We are proud of the work we've done to modernize our manufacturing curricula and facilities over the past few years, and so we are especially excited about this scholarship opportunity that will allow more students to access the program."
“Having my manufacturing company located in the same town as Waubonsee Community College has proved to be extremely beneficial,” said Andrew Faville, chairman, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association; CEO, Falex Corporation. “It is important for local employers to be engaged with our community colleges to ensure a robust source of skilled workers. This scholarship will allow students to focus on their education and training by helping to alleviate the costs of tuition, fees, books and other expenses incurred at Waubonsee.”
Community colleges receiving funding must demonstrate active engagement with the manufacturing community by meeting certain set standards demonstrating their commitment to education and training focused on the manufacturing and technology sector.
“The students at Waubonsee Community College have the potential to ensure our state will continue to build a strong pipeline for the workforce and fill the skills gap that is facing our industry,” said Greg Baise, president and CEO, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “We hope to continue broadening participation and working with these institutions to increase success across the board for students pursuing opportunities in the manufacturing sector.”
The IMA Education Foundation Board of Directors has endowed an annual scholarship to six schools this summer and will make a second round of endowments in 2016-2017 to help students for years to come.
