MHCC Foundation Will Provide $300,000 to College’s New Mechatronics Program
Posted: 03/30/2017
Gresham, Ore. – The Mt. Hood Community College Foundation, at its March 2017 Board meeting, voted to provide $300,000 to the college’s new Mechatronics program. This represents the foundation’s largest individual gift ever to an academic program.
Mechatronics is an emerging, in-demand field that combines electrical and mechanical engineering, computer technologies and manufacturing maintenance. MHCC received approval from the Northwest Commission on College and Universities (NWCCU) in February
of this year to begin offering the program in the Fall, 2017 term.
“This donation sets the stage for what we hope will be the top college program in the region for industrial maintenance and automation,” said Jarrod Hogue, MHCC’s associate VP of Workforce, Innovation and Partnerships. “Coupled with resources form the
Oregon Talent Council grant, these funds allow MHCC to expand and accelerate our path towards becoming one of the first certification centers for industrial robots in the Northwest.”
Nearly half of the initial $300,000 will be used to purchase smaller, educational versions of robotic arms commonly used in manufacturing facilities throughout the world. Students will learn to program these arms to accomplish various tasks and advanced
automation, and be able to become certified in their use. Another large chunk of the funding will be used to purchase eight Amatrol Trainers. The trainers are self-contained workstations that recreate the industrial environment and simulate various
manufacturing and engineering processes. This allows for a safe hands-on learning environment on equipment that is industry standard.
The fall cohort of the Mechatronics program will start with 16 students. The program will be housed in remodeled and upgraded classrooms on the Gresham campus.
“I am so proud to be a part of this dynamic, engaged and proactive board,” said MHCC Foundation Board President Angela McKenzie Tucker. “This investment will help create an exciting opportunity for so many future students.”
The funds were provided from the Jean Allen Fund gift.
For more information about the mechatronics program visit mhcc.edu/mechatronics