Special to IFN

The DENSO North America Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the leading automotive supplier, has awarded Mitchell Community College a $100,000 grant for equipment purchases to support the expansion of the college’s welding program in partnership with Iredell-Statesville Schools.

“DENSO is committed to enabling early-career talent to grow their knowledge and pursue successful careers in STEM areas. Through these grants, our aim is to inspire the next generation of engineers and skilled trades experts,” said Marty Deschenes, president of DNAF and leader of DENSO North America South Sub-Region Manufacturing.

This funding, which is dedicated to the development of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, highlights DENSO’s initiative to foster the development of students in manufacturing and skilled trades programs.

“The College is fortunate to have community partners like DENSO who actively seek out ways to help students advance their education and their careers,” said Dr. Tim Brewer, president of Mitchell Community College. “To address the demand for a sustainable workforce in Iredell County, collaborative effort is needed among area educational organizations, industries, and local municipalities to provide access to streamlined career pathways. This grant makes that work possible.”

The $100,000 grant will help fund a new welding facility at Career Academy and Technical School, located at 350 Old Murdock Road, Troutman. The facility aims to create centralized industrial and skilled trades labs that enhance career skills for the community and regional workforce.

With an estimated launch date of fall 2025, the new facility and equipment will use the American Welding Society SENSE curriculum to establish minimum standards and guidelines for welding education and will provide I-SS and Mooresville Graded School students the opportunity to dual enroll in Mitchell’s Career and College Promise, a college pathway dual enrollment program.

Students can complete the program in one year.

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Contact Kent Shoffner, dean of Educational Partnerships & Academic Success, at kshoffner@mitchellcc.edu for more information about the program.