Events
U.S. Rep. David Price Announces Major Grant Award for Wake Tech
RALEIGH, N.C. (May 19, 2014) - U.S. Representative David Price visited Wake Tech Community College today to announce a major grant award the college will receive from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The award, more than $825,000, comes from the NSF’s Advanced Technological Education program. The funds will be used to enhance applied engineering technologies and college/university transfer programs at Wake Tech.
With the grant award, Wake Tech will integrate additive manufacturing, or AM, into the design and delivery of instruction. AM, also known as “3D printing,” is a process in which a digital model directs the layering of materials to create a three-dimensional object of almost any shape, including industrial parts. It is expected to revolutionize manufacturing and could become available for consumer use.
Congressman Price presented a check to Wake Tech President Dr. Stephen Scott and spoke with educators about the opportunities and possibilities of this cutting-edge technology. He also saw a demonstration.
“Wake Tech is at the forefront of 3D printing technology,” said Rep. Price. “This grant will allow the college to develop teaching and training methods that will provide highly-skilled workers to the industry and keep Wake County competitive.”
“Grants are very important for Wake Tech,” said Wake Tech President Dr. Stephen Scott, “and a National Science Foundation grant can truly be a game changer. Innovations like additive manufacturing demand experts with new skills and the latest training – and with this NSF support, Wake Tech will be able to provide that training.”
The NSF grant has two overarching goals: to educate students on how additive manufacturing is used in the engineering design cycle, for testing and assessing conceptual models; and to provide educators with another tool for universally-designed instruction that contributes to program quality and accessibility.
